Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – The American Red Cross is calling on the public to donate blood this spring, warning that seasonal distractions make it harder to keep up with a need that never slows down.
“As we come in to spring break time here and across the country and people are getting outdoors again, when the sun is coming out, it is more challenging to make sure that people are still coming to their blood donation appointment,” said Erica Mani, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross. “And so we know that blood is needed every single day and there’s no way to manufacture this. We can only get it when people are willing to come out and roll up their own sleeve to save another’s life. So we are hoping that with their busy schedules this spring, people will think about giving the gift of life by coming out and giving blood.”
Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, but only 3 percent of Americans donate, making it difficult to keep up with demand. Donation takes less than an hour and can save multiple lives.
For those unable to donate blood, the Red Cross says that volunteering time and monetary contributions are also valuable.
As an added incentive, anyone who donates blood from March 30 through April 12 will receive a free T-shirt featuring the “Life is Good” theme.
