The Rhode Island Blood Center is asking for donors over the Labor Day weekend, saying donations typically fall off around holidays just as travel and back-to-school schedules pull people away.
During Labor Day week last year, the center collected more than 40 percent fewer donations than the 2,100 it needs weekly to meet hospital and patient demand, a shortfall of close to 900 units. The appeal follows what the center describes as a summer of critically low donations and blood emergencies nationally.
“The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday,” said Hunter Shaffer, the center’s vice president of operations.
Everyone who donates from Wednesday, Sept. 2, through Wednesday, Sept. 9, is entered for a chance at a $500 gift card, with one winner drawn each day. Terms are at ribc.org/sweepstakes.
The Aquidneck Donor Center at 688 Aquidneck Ave. in Middletown is open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Fridays through Sundays, so island donors who want to be counted in the holiday push have Wednesday, Thursday and the following Monday through Wednesday to give.
Whole blood donors can give every 56 days and platelet donors twice a month. The center says recent changes to FDA guidance mean more people are eligible than before. Appointments and eligibility details are at ribc.org or 401-453-8383.
