To help with this, the CBC will run the “We Are Essential Heroes Blood Drive” at its facility at 349 S. Main St., Dayton.
The campaign scheduled to end Friday has been extended through Monday because of the urgent need for blood, the CBC said Thursday.
Everyone who registers to donate will receive a $10 Kroger gift card and a “Wake Up & Give” T-shirt.
Then, donors who support the blood drive can nominate an essential worker they admire to be entered for a drawing for a $200 Kroger gift card.
CBC Donor Relations Director Tracy Morgan said that blood drives have been canceled due to concerns about a recent resurgence of COVID-19 in the area.
“Donors want to help during the July 4th holiday period, but with COVID-19 this summer is more unpredictable,” Morgan said.
Meanwhile, the release said, blood demand from hospitals has increased as medical facilities resume offering procedures previously suspended by orders from the Ohio Department of Health meant to conserve personal protective equipment.
>> Center says coronavirus causing local blood shortage
In addition, need for blood donations has increased due to normal summer challenges like vacation travel and outdoor activities, the absence of high school blood drives and an increase in accidents and trauma cases, the release said.
The CBC’s Wake Up & Donate Blood Drive is underway to encourage summer donating. Anyone who registers to donate between May 4 and Oct. 31 is automatically entered into a grand prize drawing for a Sleep Number bed.
Donors can make an appointment to give blood at the CBC donor portal website or by calling 937-461-3220.
About the Author