Be an Angel: With Red Cross facing shortages, donation sites are close by

December 16, 2021 11:30 am • Last Updated: December 16, 2021 11:30 am

As the nation gathers for holiday celebrations this season, the American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically low blood supply levels.

Busy holiday schedules, breaks from school and winter weather all contribute to a drop in blood and platelet donations this time of year. Those factors, combined with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, make it vital for donors to make an appointment to give as soon as possible.

Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.

All who come to give Dec. 17-Jan. 2 will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

Face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status, have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Here are the closest blood donation sites:

East Lyme

Dec. 21: 12:45 to 6 p.m., Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave

Groton

Dec. 22: 12:30 to 5:45 p.m., Groton City Municipal Building, 295 Meridian St. Ext

Dec. 29: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 310 Fort Hill Road.

Norwich

Dec. 18: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Norwich Blood Donation Center, 45 Salem Turnpike

Dec. 21: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Norwich Blood Donation Center, 45 Salem Turnpike

Dec. 21: 1 to 6 p.m., Norwich Blood Donation Center, 45 Salem Turnpike

Dec. 23: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Norwich Blood Donation Center, 45 Salem Turnpike

Dec. 28: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Norwich Blood Donation Center, 45 Salem Turnpike