The upcoming holiday season is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks and holiday travel make blood donation less of a priority
RHODE ISLAND – This December, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is encouraging blood donations by providing festive holiday socks to every presenting in celebration of the holiday season. This promotion will be available from Thursday, December 21, 2023 – Tuesday January 2, 2024 for all donors who present at our six donor centers and mobile drives across the area, while supplies last.
“It’s no secret that the most wonderful time of the year is the holiday season and there is no better gift to give then the gift of life,” said Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, Marketing & Communications Manager at Rhode Island Blood Center. “The socks are a small token of appreciation to encourage our blood donors to come out and help us build and maintain a stable supply for patients in need in our community. Blood is needed every 2 seconds and you may never know when you could also be in need.”
The month of December is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations and holiday travel all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the past two years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide. RIBC has seen a 32 percent decrease in youth donors since pre-pandemic.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit ribc.org or call 401.453.8383.
To make an appointment call 401.453.8383 or visit ribc.org.