March 28, 2024

Giving Blood: A Meaningful Gift

Gift of Life

Donate or Host a Blood Drive This Holiday Season

As winter barrels into Southern Maryland, the American Red Cross is hoping for individuals and organizations to give something that means something during this season of giving by making a lifesaving donation or hosting a blood drive.

Holiday festivities can often disrupt the schedules of people who are regular donors, so donations often drop during this season. Seasonal illnesses like the flu and winter colds can also bring donation numbers down.

Another blow to the supply of donated blood comes from the colder weather, which can cause blood drives to be postponed or not scheduled at all, since there might be snow or people may be away for the holidays.

All of these factors impact the blood supply, making donations more necessary than ever, because the need remains steady. Businesses, organizations and community groups can help by scheduling blood drives, and individuals can help by making an appointment to give. All blood types are needed, especially O negative, B negative, A negative and AB.

Hosting a blood drive is easy! Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more. To make an appointment to donate , download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit the website or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations.

There are three blood drives scheduled in St. Mary’s County in December, so be sure to stop by and give the gift of life.

On Dec. 1, 2015, donate at Smartronix between 9 am and 2 pm. The business is located at 44150 Smartronix Way in Hollywood.

On Dec. 8, donate at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department between 2 and 7:30 pm. The volunteer fire department is located at 22733 Lawrence Avenue in Leonardtown.

On Dec. 14, donate at the Valley Lee Volunteer Fire Department between 1:30 and 7 pm. The volunteer fire department is located at 45245 Drayden Road in Valley Lee.

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