'Essential need': American Red Cross asking for donations as winter, holiday season approaches

(CBS 58)— The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations as winter and the holiday season sets in.

The organization says it is especially important this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re really asking people to take care of one another and the best way to do that is through the gift of a blood donation,” American Red Cross External Communications Manager Laura McGuire said.

McGuire explained the need for blood is essential, meaning there is a constant need for donations.

“We are at a stable supply, but that doesn’t mean that’s going to stay that way,” McGuire said. “We are walking into the holiday season and we always see a decrease in blood around the holidays.”

The Red Cross is testing all blood donations for coronavirus antibodies, hoping to those fighting the virus.

“We have seen very positive results when a severely affected person in the hospital is given the antibodies to recover,” McGuire said. “We do have a need for convalescent plasma, so if you know that you are recovered from the coronavirus, we ask that you consider giving blood.”

Safe measures are being taken at donation appointments like sanitizing and social distancing.

More information and appointments can be made on the Red Cross website.