CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The American Red Cross is facing historically low blood supply levels and is offering a special incentive to those who are willing to donate blood during the holiday season.
Busy holiday schedules, breaks from school, winter weather as well as the challenges of COVID-19 have all contributed to a current drop in blood donations, according to a news release.
"We’re at a point where some patients relying on a transfusion may not receive the blood they need," Joy Squier, spokesperson for the Red Cross's Illinois region, wrote in an email to WBBM. "If more donors don’t come forward to give blood, some patients requiring a transfusion may potentially face delays in care."
Everyone who comes to donate blood from Dec. 17-Jan. 2 will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Donors can schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
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