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RI Blood Center gives thanks while encouraging blood donations Thanksgiving week
Last year, RIBC saw a nearly 20% drop in blood donations during the week of Thanksgiving alone
Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is calling on the community to help support the region’s blood supply by donating blood this Thanksgiving. All who come to donate between Sunday, November 24th and Sunday, December 1st will receive a festive long-sleeve t-shirt as a gesture of appreciation this holiday season. This promotion is available at all donor centers and community blood drive locations.
The holiday season is historically challenging for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations and holiday travel all contribute to making blood donation less of a priority. Hospitals and patients rely on a steady flow of volunteer donors, but recent years have been marked by chronic blood shortages nationwide. Last year, RIBC saw a nearly 20% drop in donations during the week of Thanksgiving alone and is calling on donors to help prevent a similar shortfall this year.
“The holiday season is a time for coming together and celebrating traditions with family and friends, but it also brings a critical need for blood donations across our region,” said Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, Marketing & Communications Manager at Rhode Island Blood Center. “We encourage the community to make blood donation part of their Thanksgiving tradition, embracing the spirit of giving and spreading hope to those in need. RIBC is thankful for every donor for their lifesaving gift, not just this holiday season but all year round.”
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 or make an appointment, visit ribc.org or call 401.453.8383.
To make an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can visit ribc.org
About Rhode Island Blood Center
Founded in 1979, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has served Rhode Island and the New England area for more than 45 years, delivering more than 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. RIBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ribc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.