Red Cross calls for blood donations during winter
Donors can be entered for Super Bowl trip

(Photo Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)
PARKERSBURG — The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood during the winter, a challenging time to maintain the blood supply.
According to a release from the organization’s Ohio River Valley chapter, type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves for patients in need.
The threat of severe winter weather can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations, while an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross urges those who are feeling well to make and keep donation appointments to help the blood supply stay on track throughout the winter.
People can book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
For the sixth year, the Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month. Those who come to give between Jan. 1-26 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LIX giveaway, including access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 7-10), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.
Full details are available online at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.