Blood donations urged during pandemic and holidays

Blood donations urged.    The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets during the pandemic and upcoming holidays.  You can make appointments by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.    Local blood drives are coming up around Thanksgiving throughout Southwest Missouri.   The American Red Cross is following Covid 19 safety guidelines.   The traditional slump in blood donations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s comes as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the pandemic.  Required medical treatments and emergencies don’t pause for the holidays or a widespread outbreak.