The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Feb. 24 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at Licking.
The event is 2 to 6 p.m. at the church, which is at 222 W. Highway 32.
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood – are encouraged to make and keep their donation appointments so hospitals can continue to ensure critical care for patients this winter.
Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of blood drives have been canceled and more than 16,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected due to severe winter weather and wildfires.
As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives. Flu and other seasonal illnesses are spreading, which could also force more people to cancel scheduled donation appointments, compounding the impact to collecting lifesaving blood products.
To book a time to give blood or platelets, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Persons will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.