Red Cross in need of blood donations

American Red Cross image.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Blood donations are being sought by the American Red Cross during a very vital time for the organization.


In the midst of a blood shortage and the back end of a pandemic, blood drives are being hosted across North Central West Virginia throughout the month of July, where the Allegheny Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross is encouraging those able donate, to help save a life. In doing so, the American Red Cross is offering the chance to receive prizes such as gift cards and a chance to win other larger rewards.

“For those donors that come in through the end of July, they’ll recieve a ten dollar Amazon gift card via email, and they’ll also be entered into a chance to win free gas for a year,” said Allegheny Highlands Chapter Executive Director Jason Keeling describing the prizes.

While all blood donations will be accepted, the American Red Cross is encouraging those with type O blood to stop by and donate. The reasoning for this request, is that type O is a “universal blood type,” allow it to be used for any person in the middle of a medical procedure or emergency. For it’s ability to be used for a signifcant amount of people, it becomes equally viable as those who may have a unique blood type or is just a general donor.

“It’s a universal blood type and so it can be used in a variety of fashions, particularly in those trauma situations, so type O is highly desireable,” said Keeling.

Those wishing to donate, simply has to go to the one of several blood drive locations around North Central West Virginia and around the Allegheny Region. Once you arrive at a location, you can then go and follow through with an application process which would include a testing of your blood and the passing of a checklist before donating, including a proof of COVID-19 vaccination. From there, the procedure is very much like it is envisioned when someone donates blood.

“It’s really just a matter of that little needle prick, and then from there it’s ususally completed within ten to twenty minutes,” said Keeling, further explaining the process.

The hope for Keeling as well as the rest of the Allegheny Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross, is that there is a decent crowd that comes and donates during these blood drives throughout the rest of July. While acknowledging that the summer months are considered a low donation period, the hope for those working the blood drives that incentives along with the willingness to help fellow man will potentially help save a life.

“Red blood cells, platelets, they all have different functions and so when an individual donates, they can know that they’re helping to save lives,” he said.

Those wishing to schedule an appointment to give blood, can do so by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or visit RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767.)