COLUMBUS (WCMH) — NBC4 and WNCI 97.9 FM are partnering with the Red Cross for a blood drive on Thursday, January 3 at the Crowne Plaza in Dublin.
The Red Cross said there’s a big need for donations during the holidays and especially right after the new year.
“People are very busy, going to parties, and they’re not making time to give blood,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for Red Cross Blood Services. “So during this period, patients still need blood every single day, regardless of the weather, of the holidays.”
Wilson said there is an urgent need for all blood types.
“Ninety-eight percent of us know someone who is alive because of a blood transfusion, and so the need for blood touches all of us, whether we realize it or not,” Wilson said.
Thursday’s blood drive is one of the biggest Red Cross drives of the year. The Red Cross said it’s aiming for 330 donations, hoping to replenish a critically low supply of blood.
The blood drive runs from 7am to 7pm.
You can sign up for an appointment by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org. Wilson said an appointment allows people to be seen more quickly, but he also noted people can walk in to donate if they choose.