Red Cross looking for blood donors before holiday season

    With the busy holiday season approaching, the American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood now to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients this winter.
    Imperial area donors will have the chance to give blood Monday, Nov. 13, when the Bloodmobile sets up at Chase County Schools from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    School Nurse Angie Paisley said their goal next month is 100 units. The Bloodmobile will be held in the new auxiliary gym. Donors will be able to park in a reserved section in the student parking lot that day and enter directly into the gym from doors on the northeast side of the school.
    Paisley said donors can make appointments now by contacting her at the school, 308-882-4228, or can register online at redcrossblood.org, and search for the schools code: chasecohsne.
    Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, many regular blood donors delay giving due to holiday activities and travel. This often decreases the amount of donated blood available for patients.
    More donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help stock the shelves for patients like Emily Bratton. After the birth of her first child, she received several units of blood.
    “I know that my life was saved because someone, somewhere, was willing to donate their blood,” said Bratton.
    “There aren’t words to describe how incredibly thankful I am that people are willing to donate blood to help a stranger,” she said.
    Potential donors can also download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).