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13WMAZ partners with the Red Cross to ensure life-saving blood is available to those who need it

13WMAZ has been partnering with the Red Cross since 2004. This year's goal is 62 pints.

MACON, Ga. — As the holiday season continues, the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give something that means something − a blood or platelet donation. While preparing to enjoy the holidays, include time to donate blood and help save lives at the 13WMAZ Holiday Blood Drive from December 27-29 at various locations. 

To date, 13WMAZ has helped the Red Cross collect more than 4,438 pints.

The U.S. is on pace to see a record number of people traveling over the 2023 holiday season. When travel and celebrations pick up, the blood supply could face a sharp drop if fewer people come out to donate. 

For this reason, the Red Cross is asking you to give back to patients in need                

“We are incredibly grateful to WMAZ for their partnership and support of our mission,” Regional Chief Executive Officer Alicia Doherty said. “Their commitment to hosting blood drives helps to ensure everyone has access to safe, lifesaving blood. When generous blood donors roll up their sleeves to donate, they help change a life.”

It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. 

Every 2 seconds someone needs lifesaving blood, and the Red Cross depends on the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients during the busy summer months.

13WMAZ has hosted blood drives with the American Red Cross of Georgia starting back in January 2004.

RELATED: 'Blood is the gift of life': Donations still needed during the holiday season to save lives

This year's goal is 62 pints. 

Those who come to give on Dec. 18-Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. 

Also, thanks to Prime Video and their new film Candy Cane Lane, featuring an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and directed by Reginald Hudlin, those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Dec. 1-31, will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV.

Where to donate:

Dec. 27: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross of Central Georgia, 6080 Lakeside Commons Drive, Macon, GA 3121

Dec. 28: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Houston County Galleria, 2950 Watson Boulevard, Centerville, GA 31028                                 

Dec. 29: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1826 Veterans Boulevard, Dublin, GA 31021

How to donate blood:

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code: WMAZ, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. 

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

RELATED: Yes, blood donation rules have changed for men who have sex with men

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