Responding to emergency calls for blood and platelet donations is an important way to support the American Red Cross and those who receive those blood products. But even when there is no crisis, it is still important to answer the call for donations. Keeping the supply stable is essential.
As always, donors of all types are needed, but the Red Cross says type O blood donors are crucial to keep up the supply.
"When it comes to lifesaving care, there's no letting off the gas -- the American Red Cross needs donors to come to give blood over the next few weeks to keep the blood supply as strong as possible this spring," said Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
As it seems to take incentives these days to get enough people to help, Sport Clips Haircuts is stepping up to offer a coupon for a free haircut to those who donate between Monday and May 31. During that period, those who come to give blood will be entered for a chance to win a trip and VIP experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, in addition to a larger prize package.
It's wonderful to know there are partners willing to pitch in to help, but the bottom line is it's up to individuals to decide they want to help -- maybe even save a life.
There are plenty of local opportunities to give. Area drives on the schedule include Thursday from 12:30 p.m to 6 p.m. at Word of Life Fellowship at 565 Lovers Lane in Steubenville; Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Aultman Carrollton, 1020 Trump Road NW in Carrollton; May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Eastern Gateway Community College on Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville; May 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lighthouse Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Richmond; June 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crossroads Christian Church, 110 Springdale Ave. in Wintersville; June 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blue Wave Center at 1400 Main St. in Follansbee; June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Glenn Mills Community Center located at 7576 state Route 152 in Richmond; June 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville; and June 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area on Three Springs Drive in Weirton.
For a full list, including appointment availability and other details, you can visit redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.
You know it's the right thing to do. You know it's desperately needed. What you don't know is who might need you to step up. Roll up your sleeves and give blood soon.