Comfort & Joy Campaign to Run Nationwide Through Dec. 15
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Country Music superstar Martina McBride and the American Red Cross have joined together this holiday season to urge blood donations nationwide through the newly-announced “Comfort & Joy” campaign, beginning today through Tuesday, December 15. Donors will be automatically entered to win an Outdoor Living Experience, powered by Propane. Eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to give blood using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“The winter holidays are one of the most challenging times of year to collect blood, yet the need is constant, particularly during a pandemic,” says McBride. “The Red Cross needs the help of blood donors across the country to ensure patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood.”
She continues: “If no one has ever asked you to give blood before, I’m asking you to give blood. The Red Cross makes it safe and easy to do, and it’s so important to give back to your community, especially during this trying time.”
“Giving comfort to patients by providing lifesaving blood products is fundamental to the Red Cross mission. However, it’s not possible without the support of generous blood donors and dedicated partners, like Martina McBride and Suburban Propane,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president at the American Red Cross. “While we have certainly experienced unparalleled hardships this year, we have also witnessed great acts of kindness – like COVID-19 survivors rolling up their sleeves to share their antibodies with patients battling the illness. Donating blood, plasma or platelets is an act of kindness that truly makes a lifesaving difference.”
As a thank you for helping meet the need for blood donations, Suburban Propane is offering Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donors a chance to win an Outdoor Living Experience, powered by Propane, to enable a lucky winner to enjoy socially distanced celebrations with family and friends this holiday season. The prize includes a propane-powered pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor heater and stipend towards propane. See complete official rules and terms and conditions of the giveaway.
As the U.S. experiences a new surge in COVID-19 cases, the Red Cross is becoming increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply – including convalescent plasma. A convalescent plasma donation collects plasma from COVID-19 survivors because antibodies to the disease in their blood may help patients who are currently fighting the virus. Increased hospitalization of patients with coronavirus this fall and winter, has caused the Red Cross to distribute a record number of COVID-19 plasma products to hospitals treating patients who are battling the virus.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age 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.