4 days ago
Red Cross calling for more blood donations ahead of slow summer months
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – The Red Cross is calling for blood donations amid a challenging time of year for the organization.
Jonathan McNamara, the communications director for the Red Cross of Virginia, explained that the need for blood is always there, but during the summer months that need becomes even greater.
'There's a shortage of donors and an increase in demand,' McNamara said.
He added that it doesn't matter what type of blood you have, you have a chance to make a difference.
'When you're dealing with a situation where it's challenging to collect blood, if you're somebody who's watching this and has an interest in donating blood, your blood type is one that we need,' McNamara said.
McNamara revealed that collecting blood becomes challenging for the Red Cross two times a year. It's usually just after the holidays and during the summer.
'Summer travel, people who are now on summer break till colleges and high schools are not able to fill drives on campus. And then just the things that pull all of our attention during the summer months, where we understand blood donation is not top of mind,' McNamara said.
Not only can you donate at the Red Cross donation center in Norfolk, but you can also look out for Red Cross local partners out in the community.
For example, the Norfolk Sheriff's Office just held a drive on Wednesday and is giving out 15-dollar gift cards until the end of the month for those who donate.
'If there's an area in the community where you're watching this story, chances are there's going to be a blood drive near you,' McNamara said.
He added that if you can't donate blood, you can always volunteer.
'Whether you want to help check in people at blood drives, whether you're willing to actually help drive blood to area hospitals, many different opportunities for you to support the Red Cross,' McNamara said.
Click here for more information on how to donate.
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