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POLK COUNTY—The American Red Cross is urging donors to donate blood or platelets in February to help replenish the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month. The community is invited to donate blood at Steps to Hope on February 20 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. in the basement community room, located at 60 Ward St. in Columbus.

People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood – are encouraged to make and keep their donation appointments so hospitals can continue to ensure critical care for patients this winter. 

Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of blood drives have been canceled, and more than 16,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected due to severe winter weather and wildfires. As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives. Flu and other seasonal illnesses are spreading, which could also force more people to cancel scheduled donation appointments, compounding the impact of collecting lifesaving blood products. 

Another way to support the Red Cross’s lifesaving mission is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at blood drives. Ambassadors help greet, check in, and thank blood donors to ensure a positive donation experience. For more information, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

To book a time to give blood, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thank-you, all who donate through February 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details. 

 

Submitted by Gail Barsdale