Red Cross asking for Blood Donations through Winter Shortages
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Every two seconds, someone in the United States uses a unit of blood, according to the American Red Cross. The constant demand has led to an issue and an urgent call for donors.
Winter weather and seasonal illnesses are a major factors for the recent decline in blood supplies.
David Palmer, an account manager for the Red Cross, discusses the importance of maintaining steady donations, especially in areas impacted by winter weather.
“In our southwest counties down in Springfield, Missouri, we lost all of our drives today due to the weather,” Palmer said. “So it’s just very important that the drives we do have on the schedule make their goals or exceed their goals to keep their blood supplies at a safe level.”
For longtime donor Gorge Cozby, giving blood has become second nature.
“I always tell them I do it for the cookies, but it’s really just a good habit I’ve been doing for like 40-something years,” Cozby said.
He told us how his workplace used to offer extra time off for donating, which initially motivated him. Over time, it became a personal tradition with a life-saving purpose.
The Red Cross stresses that the donation process is simple, but its impact is immeasurable.
“I think it’s a very easy process,” Palmer said. “You never know when the need for blood is going to strike you, your family, or somebody in need. Everybody knows somebody who has cancer or has been involved in a car accident. The need for blood is constant.”
The Battle of the Chambers Blood Drive, sponsored us here at FOX23, is looking to collect donations from at least 150 donors. Each person can give one to two pints, potentially helping patients across the country.
Cozby encourages others to step up and donate.
“I encourage everybody else to try it if they haven’t done it before,” he said. “It’s a good thing.”
To donate, the Red Cross advises individuals to be in good health and schedule an appointment in advance. Click here to sign up.
