Red Cross: Donors needed now to address historically low blood supply

        Nearly two years into the pandemic, everyone has earned a holiday break with their family and friends, but as the nation gathers again for celebrations this season, the American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, continues to face historically low blood supply levels.
        The Red Cross attributes a drop in blood and platelet donations to busy holiday schedules, breaks from school and winter weather. Those factors, combined with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, make it vital for donors to make an appointment to give as soon as possible.
        Donors are urged to schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
        All who come to give Dec. 17-Jan. 2 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
        Blood drive safety 
        Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows safety and infection control protocols, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented.
        Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 17-Jan. 2 include:
        • Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Toledo – Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
        • Elmore: Dec. 20, 12-6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 19225 W. Witty.
        • Gibsonburg: Dec. 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Gibsonburg United Methodist Church, 795 W Madison St.
        • Bowling Green: Dec. 17, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Wood County Hospital, 950 W. Wooster St.
        • Perrysburg: Dec. 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 6165 Levis Commons Boulevard.
        Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of donation from a mobile device or computer. Follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
        To donate blood, bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in.