American Red Cross: Blood supply need continues during holidays

ALBANY — Regular blood donors are among those busy during the holiday season. Need for blood doesn’t take a break, though, so the American Red Cross is asking for help in maintaining the blood supply.

The holidays are known for the abundance of giving spirit and the hectic pace. But they are also a time when blood donations tend to dwindle due to festivities and travel schedules. Red Cross officials offered a reminder that there are three ways to give the gift of life in less time.

— RapidPass: Donors can complete their pre-donation reading and health history questions online to save about 15 minutes at their donation. In September, RapidPass became available on mobile devices, giving donors the ability to complete the questionnaire from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

— Blood Donor App: Through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, users can find blood drives and donation centers in their area, schedule an appointment, receive appointment reminders and keep track of total blood donations.

— Online appointment scheduling: Donors can schedule an appointment and find tips for a successful blood or platelet donation at redcrossblood.org.

“The Red Cross is thankful for the generosity of donors who help keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products, but we know that the holiday activities that we cherish most can make it difficult for many regular donors to find a moment to donate this time of year,” Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region, said. “We hope technologies like online appointment scheduling, the Blood Donor App and RapidPass will make it a little easier for donors to give more life for patients this holiday season.”

The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region covers Georgia and parts of South Carolina and northern Florida.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply of blood is available. Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Southwest Georgia include:

— 2-6 p.m., Friday, VFW Post 5978, 801 Tifton Highway, Nashville

— 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, Miracle Toyota of Albany, 2865 Ledo Road, Albany

— 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Albany Mall, 2601 Dawson Road, Albany

— noon-5 p.m., Tuesday, Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany

— 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, 2802 Moore Highway, Tifton

— 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Dec. 8, Dougherty County Government Building, 222 Pine Ave., Albany

— 3-7 p.m., Dec. 11, Pearson First Baptist Church, 204 E. Railroad Ave., Pearson

— 1-6 p.m., Dec. 11, First Baptist Church, 402 S. Merrimac Drive, Fitzgerald

— 1-6 p.m., Dec. 12, Cordele Community Clubhouse, 108 E. 15th Ave., Cordele

— noon-6 p.m., Dec. 14, Moultrie Church of Christ, 1915 Adel Highway, Moultrie

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.