Low blood supplies prompted the Red Cross to ask people to donate

Contra Costa County, California – The American Red Cross is urging citizens to donate blood throughout the Thanksgiving holiday week and into December due to a decade-low blood supply for this time of year.

Fewer blood drives at schools and colleges contributed to a 34% decrease in new blood donors compared to the previous year, a significant drop that might endanger some people’s medical care.

The lower blood supply is due to a drop in donor turnout in recent months as a result of the current pandemic and the summer delta variant surge.

The Red Cross is encouraging individuals to donate blood or platelets, which are cells that help in blood clotting.

People who donate between November 24 and November 28 will get a pair of Red Cross Christmas socks, while supplies last.

People who donate between November 29 and December 16 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card as well as a chance to win a private screening of “The Matrix Resurrections” for themselves and 50 friends.

Donors can schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling (800) RED CROSS (733-2767).