(KNSI) – The American Red Cross is pleading with people to donate because of critically low supplies and is offering incentives. St. Cloud Red Cross Executive Director Linda Blackmore says the nation’s blood supply is at the lowest level she’s seen in her career.
“We are at a historically low blood supply that we haven’t seen over the last decade. And that’s why we have the plea out there right now to try to get more donors. New donors that have the time during the holidays and over the next couple of weeks to come in and donate blood.”
Blackmore says the crisis is worse in the Twin Cities compared to St. Cloud.
“Areas are down to a day blood supply. I know some of the hospitals out of Minneapolis right now are saying we need this blood so we can keep up with not elective surgeries, but just our day-to-day things that happen, so that’s why we’re trying to stay ahead of it.”
She says to get people to roll up their sleeves, the Red Cross is offering a free long-sleeve T-shirt to anyone who donates before January 2nd. Anyone who donates in January will have a chance to win a getaway to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles, a home theater package and a $500 gift card.
“When you come donate you’ll automatically be entered into either the two tickets, the home theater package and then actually you get a long sleeve t shirt too.”
Blackmore says when you give the gift of blood, you are giving the gift of life.
“The best thing is that you’re going to save somebody’s life or help somebody out in a critical situation, so blood is needed everywhere. You may come in and donate here, and your blood might help save a life in Iowa. When you donate, you’ll get an email notification telling you where your blood actually ended up.”
Blackmore says the Red Cross is the largest blood supplier to hospitals and clinics, providing 40% of the country’s blood supply.
To donate blood and information on being eligible to donate, click here or call 1-800-733-2767.
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