Red Cross boosts blood donations with new incentives

This month, the American Red Cross is urging donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage. 22 News reporter Christina DeMores joins us live in studio with how it's impacting health networks in our region. That's right, Ciara, and I also learned that donating platelets are also more crucial than ever for area hospitals. The American Red Cross says the national blood supply is still recovering after a severe shortage at the beginning of this year, reporting a 35% drop in January. According to the American Red Cross, the flu outbreak, as well as winter weather, kept many donors at home, disrupting hundreds of blood drives across the nation and leaving thousands of donations uncollected. Hospitals in Western Massachusetts say they're seeing those impacts as well. In a statement to 22 News, a rep with Mass. General Brigham says their hospitals, including Cooley Dickinson Hospital, are experiencing impacts of lower blood donations caused by weather, respiratory viruses, and other factors. They go on to say patient needs are still being met and they are encouraging people to donate, especially platelets, which have a short shelf life and are used for a number of critical treatments. The Red Cross says donors of all blood types are needed to help keep the blood supply stable in the upcoming months. To encourage donations, the organization is offering free A1C testing for blood, platelet, or plasma donations made during the month of March. Anyone who donates between March 1st and March 31st will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Now we have a list of upcoming blood donation dates and locations on our website. Working for you tonight, Christina DeMores, 22 News.