Source: West Windsor NJ Patch
The American Red Cross has less than a three day supply of Type O blood.
During the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, about 500 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs. Many groups postpone blood drives during the winter holidays when travel and holiday activities may make it challenging for many donors to give. In fact, the American Automobile Association estimated that a record 115.6 million Americans traveled between Dec. 21 through the first day of this year.
“Lifesaving medical treatments and emergencies never take a holiday,” says American Red Cross Biomedical Services Senior Vice President Paul Sullivan. “Declines in donations can affect patient care. That’s why the Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to make an appointment to give now and help those sidelined by illness and trauma.”
The American Red Cross will therefore host a blood drive in West Windsor as it faces a critical need for blood donors of all types. It will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road. And in addition, those who donate blood or platelets now through Sunday January 19, 2020 will automatically be entered for a chance to experience the Feb. 2 Super Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida live!
One winner will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LIV, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, round-trip airfare to Miami, three-night hotel accommodations at The Alexander — All Suite Oceanfront Resort (Jan. 31 to Feb. 3), and a $500 gift card for expenses.
Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
“The Red Cross appreciates the NFL’s support during this crucial time of year when every donation — and every donor — matters. We hope this may inspire some to make regular blood and platelet donation one of their New Year’s resolutions,” Sullivan says.