American Red Cross urges replenishment of blood supply in holiday season

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Tennessee , United States, December 30: To keep local blood supply strong during the holiday season, the American Red Cross is relying on the commitment service to help boost the holiday blood supply.
Steve Beeler, CEO of the Tennessee Valley Service Region said that blood supply tends to dip in the holiday seasons. The reason cited is, “Since we do not collect blood on Christmas Day and collect a limited amount on New Year we face a loss of up to 1,000 units of blood. A good turnout will make a difference.”
The Red Cross is hoping to boost as much of the supply as possible around the holiday season. This is the best way to ensure a good supply at the hour of need when severe winter is persisting.
Shannon Jordan, blood center coordinator said a single person’s donation saves nearly three lives. She claimed, “A holiday season is a great way to give without having to spend money. With the economy people can’t donate money, but if you can donate an hour of your time that is three people you helped save.”
The American Red Cross has urged donors to give blood and platelets, so that supplies continue to meet the needs of patients during the whole season.
Though, the fifth annual drive of twelve hours of blood donation on Dec. 23 saw a collection of 325 units of blood, it still fell short of the 500 target.
The American Red Cross organized another blood drive at WEEK and WAOE on Dec. 30. All donors are being given mementos; free t-shirts and other interesting gifts.


Carol Wackererly, Michigan community Blood Center recruiter said, “Every three seconds, some one needs blood- every day of the year even around holiday times when blood donors typically are in short supply.”
People generally believe that blood needed incessantly around holidays only, because of travel related accidents, but in reality, ‘the need for blood is continual year around, the need for just never takes a holiday.’