AKRON, Ohio — With the holiday season marking one of the most difficult times for the American Red Cross to collect blood, Cuyahoga Falls will be hosting its 14th annual Holiday Blood Drive on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
The blood drive will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, located at 1989 Front St. in Cuyahoga Falls. Summa Health, Sheraton Suites, Western Reserve Hospital, the city of Cuyahoga Falls, JOANN and Sabika are sponsoring this year's event.
Those who donate will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved t-shirt, goody bag with gifts and enjoy special refreshments while supplies last. Additionally, participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including a media package from Summa Health, a Cricut machine package from JOANN and more.
The event marks Northern Ohio's largest blood drive and has collected nearly 8,800 pints over the past 13 years.
According to a release, it is especially important to collect blood this time of year as busy holiday schedules, seasonal illness and winter weather can often disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients during the winter. The Red Cross also noted that the U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can affect the number of healthy donors available to give and that winter weather can make it dangerous for donors to come out, leading to blood drive cancellations.
"Despite these challenges, the need for blood is constant," the Red Cross says. "Blood donors of all types are urged to give and help meet the daily demand for blood products."
In order to make an appointment to donate, those interested can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code SUMMA, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors are required to present a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years old or older -- or 16 years old with parental consent -- weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other potential donors 18 years of age and younger are also required to meet certain height and weight requirements.
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