The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.
This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Seasonal illness, winter weather and holiday celebrations often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products.
When they give now, donors can ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood and platelets through the end of the year.
To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release, “Candy Cane Lane,” those who donate blood in December will be automatically entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com gift card and 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. There will be 12 winners.
Those who donate December 1 to 17, will get a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email. Terms for both offers apply. See rcblood.org/ Amazon.
The following area blood drives are scheduled this month:
•Friday, December 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Mercy-Health Perrysburg Hospital, 12621 Eckel Junction Road.
•Friday, December 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Perrysburg Schools board of education, 140 East Indiana Avenue.
Appointments also can be scheduled to donate blood at the Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Toledo.
Hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood .org or call 1-800-733-2767.
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors age 18 years and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
