American Red Cross to hold 39th annual Ohio Valley Media Day Blood Drive Monday and Tuesday
WHEELING — The American Red Cross is holding its 39th annual Ohio Valley Media Day Blood Drive on Monday and Tuesday at the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.
The two-day event is one of the largest blood donation events in the area, said Executive Director Sharon Kesselring.
Weather has had a negative impact on donations this year, making the event even more important, Kesselring said.
“This year in particular, over the past almost three weeks since the Christmas holidays, we have seen bad weather impact our national blood supply,” she said.
There have been several days in the area where blood supply has been limited or drives have had to be canceled due to the winter weather conditions. This is challenging as blood does not have a long shelf life, Kesselring said.
“So it’s not like we can build up a large supply and then not hold any blood drives for a few days, because we still need to be able to collect on a fairly regular basis in order to keep the blood supply current and viable for use,” she said.
Though cold temperatures are expected for Monday and Tuesday, Kesselring encouraged individuals to show up if they are able and feel safe doing so.
“There is no substitute for human blood and someone needs blood every two seconds,” she said. “So as a result we need to make sure there is enough blood on the shelf at the time someone needs it in order to help save their lives.”
The drive will accept walk-ins but they encourage appointments, which are available from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day and can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or by downloading the free blood donor app.
Donors should make sure they have a valid photo ID that shows they are 21 or older and be in good health, making sure to stay fed and well hydrated.
Everyone who donates blood will have the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation, hotel accommodations and tickets to the Super Bowl, as well as access to the NFL’s Super Bowl Experience.
“It’s something to consider that you may be the lucky person to win this prize package,” she said.