Essex County Blood Drives: Give Back By Giving Blood

ESSEX COUNTY, MA – The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give a blood donation in December, a time when donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady.

Barbara Coger's husband received a donation during the holidays.

"I have been donating blood for some time, but really started encouraging others to do so after my husband received a donation on Christmas Eve," she said. "He had not been doing well and would not survive much longer, but with that extra boost, he was able to share a big smile with me on Christmas morning, something I will always cherish."

Donors of all blood types are needed this holiday season to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate Dec. 22, 2016, through Jan. 8, 2017, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Here are some upcoming blood drives in Essex County:

• Andover: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Andover Town House, 20 Main St.
• Gloucester: Monday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Elks at Bass Rocks, 101 Atlantic Road
• Lawrence: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., ARC North East Disaster Services-Lawrence, 60 Island St., Ste 1
• Marblehead: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 4 Community Road
• Methuen: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 462 Broadway
• Methuen: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 462 Broadway
• Newburyport: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Senior Commnunity Center, 331 High St.
• Newburyport: Thursday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Elks Lodge, 25 Low St.
• North Andover: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Edgewood Retirement Community Center, 575 Osgood St.
• Peabody: Thursday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Lahey Clinic - North Shore, One Essex Center Drive
• Peabody: Saturday, Dec. 24, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Torigian Family YMCA Peabody, 259 Lynnfield St.
• Peabody: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Temple Beth Shalom Peabody, 489 Lowell St.
• Salem: Monday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Salem Senior Center, 5 Broad St.

Image via American Red Cross