The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood amid shortages in Northeast Ohio and beyond, offering Super Bowl tickets and other incentives to boost participation. Donors who give blood through Jan. 25 are automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to this year’s Super Bowl in the San Francisco Bay Area. The prize includes airfare, a three-night hotel stay, and $1,000 in spending money. Meanwhile, those who donate from Jan. 26 through Feb. 28 are eligible for a $20 gift card of their choice.
The push comes after the American Red Cross declared a severe emergency on Monday. The humanitarian organization, which says it is the largest supplier of blood products for hospitals and patient needs in the U.S., said demand from hospitals has outpaced the available blood supply.
Dr. Courtney Lawrence, divisional chief medical officer at the American Red Cross, told ABC News that nearly one-third of the organization’s blood stores nationwide have been depleted due to hospital need. Lawrence also said inclement winter weather has contributed to the shortage, noting that more than 400 Red Cross blood drives across the U.S. have been canceled, further reducing donations.
Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services, said, “Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month.”
The organization said it is especially in need of Type O, A negative, and B negative blood, as well as platelets. It added that supply has dropped 35% this month, and hospitals are already needing to “triage critical blood products.”