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Facing seasonal crunch, Red Cross holding blood drives in Colton, Akwesasne, Norwood, O’burg, Waddington, Potsdam, Massena

Posted 12/22/16

Amid seasonal high need, Red Cross holding blood drives in Colton, Akwesasne, Norwood, O’burg, Waddington, Potsdam, Massena As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip St. Lawrence County, the …

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Facing seasonal crunch, Red Cross holding blood drives in Colton, Akwesasne, Norwood, O’burg, Waddington, Potsdam, Massena

Posted

Amid seasonal high need, Red Cross holding blood drives in Colton, Akwesasne, Norwood, O’burg, Waddington, Potsdam, Massena

As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip St. Lawrence County, the American Red Cross says they urge eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet what they describe as a “constant need” for blood this winter.

Large numbers of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving.

Red Cross officials say donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients. As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

“Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room,” said Patty Corvaia, communications manger of the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”

Upcoming local blood drive schedule:

• Akwesasne, Dec. 22, noon to 5 p.m., Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department Station #1, 818 State Rte. 37 (across from Akwesasne Mohawk Casino)

• Colton, Dec. 22, 2 to 6 p.m., Colton Volunteer Fire Department, Riverside Drive

• Norwood, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Seaway Technical Center BOCES, 7225 State Highway 56

• Ogdensburg, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ogdensburg Chamber, 100 Riverside Ave.

• Waddington, Dec. 28, 1 to 6 p.m., Waddington Hepburn Library, 30 Main St.

• Potsdam, Dec. 30, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Canton-Potsdam Hospital, 50 Leroy St.

• Massena, Jan. 11, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., St Lawrence Centre, 6100 state Route 37

People can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Those who are age 17 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.