The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter. Busy holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held across the country compared to the two previous months, which has resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations and reduced the blood supply.

“A decline in the blood supply after the winter holidays is not uncommon, but it can be replenished when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” said Guy Triano, donor recruitment director for the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. "Every two seconds a patient in the U.S. needs blood.”

For the ninth year, the Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are partnering in January to help increase donations and reward generous donors during National Blood Donor Month. Through the “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign, all those who come to give blood or platelets in January at Red Cross blood drives will receive a $5 gift card.*

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

American Red Cross Blood Donation Center:

Blood Donation Center at 365 Harry L Drive Johnson City
Monday: 11:30am – 7:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am – 2:30pm
Wednesday: 11:30am – 7:00pm
Thursday - Sunday: 7:00am – 2:30pm

Binghamton
1/16/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Boulevard United Methodist Church, 113 Grand Boulevard
1/18/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Lourdes Hospital, 169 Riverside Drive
1/19/2016: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Lourdes Hospital, 169 Riverside Drive
1/25/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street

Endicott
1/16/2016: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., American Legion Post 1700, 305 Maple Street
1/23/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 W Main Street
1/26/2016: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Ann G. McGuinness Elementary School, 1301 Union Center-Maine Highway

Vestal
1/29/2016: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., BU College in the Woods-Mohawk, 4400 Vestal Parkway East
How to donate blood
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a home or work computer prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

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