With the holidays in full swing, the American Red Cross is asking people to donate blood to ensure patients get the care they need through the end of the year.
As millions of Americans travel in the coming weeks, people tend to postpone blood donations until the new year, the organization said. Combined with colder weather, flu and cold season, this makes winter a critical time when blood donations are needed.
The Wisconsin Red Cross is hosting dozens of blood drives over the next month. Blood and platelet donations are especially needed during the holidays, the organization said.
A Red Cross blood collection.
From December 16 to January 3, donors will receive a free American Red Cross long-sleeve shirt, while supplies last. And from January 1 to 26, National Blood Donor Month, all donors will be entered to win a trip for two to next year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Here’s what you need to know about donating blood in Wisconsin.
Where can you donate blood in Wisconsin?
To find a blood donation site near you, enter your zip code into the Red Cross search tool at redcrossblood.org. You can then choose from a variety of nearby locations and upcoming appointment times.
Red Cross blood drive.
Upcoming blood drives in the Green Bay area
Here are some upcoming Red Cross blood drives in the Green Bay area through January 26.
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December 17: 11am – 4pm, The Automobile Gallery and Event Center, 400 S. Adams St., Green Bay.
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December 17, 18, January 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22: 10:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Green Bay Blood Donation Center, 2131 Deckner Ave., Green Bay.
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December 19: 10am – 3pm, Bellin Health Surgery & Specialty Center, 993 Waube Lane, Ashwaubenon.
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December 19: 11am – 4pm, 835 Mike McCarthy Way, Ashwaubneon.
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December 20, 27, January 3, 10, 17, 24: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Elks Lodge, 3195 S. Ridge Road, Ashwaubenon.
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20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 December, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 : 7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Green Bay Blood Donation Center, 2131 Deckner Ave., Green Bay.
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December 20: 10:30am – 4:30pm, St. Joseph Church, 5996 County K, City of Green Bay.
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December 24: 7 a.m.-noon, St. John the Baptist School, 2561 Glendale Ave., Howard.
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December 26: 10am – 3pm, Ashwaubenon Community Center, 900 Anderson Drive.
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December 27: 10am – 3pm, East Side YMCA, 1730 S. Huron Road, Bellvue.
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December 30: 10am – 3pm, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2160 Packerland Drive, Green Bay.
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December 30: 11am – 4pm, Messiah Lutheran Church, 3186 Eaton Road, Bellevue.
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December 31: 11am – 4pm Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Road, Green Bay.
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January 2: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Ashland Ave., Green Bay.
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January 6: 10am – 3pm, Oneida Hotel, 2040 Airport Drive, Ashwaubenon.
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January 7: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 2335 S. Webster Ave., Allouez.
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January 17: 10am – 3pm, Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1315 Lime Kiln Road, Green Bay.
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January 22: 10am – 3pm, Capital Credit Union, 1121 W. Main Ave., Ashwaubenon.
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January 22: 11:30am – 4:30pm, West Side YMCA, 601 Cardinal Lane, Howard.
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January 23: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tundra Lodge, 865 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay.
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January 23: Noon – 5 p.m., St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2066 Lawrence Drive, De Pere
How to prepare to donate blood
Before donating blood, the organization recommends getting a full night’s sleep, staying hydrated and consuming iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans and spinach.
Be sure to allow an hour for your appointment, although the blood donation itself only takes eight to ten minutes.
You can read more about the nomination process and eligibility requirements for blood donations here.
This article originally appeared in Green Bay Press-Gazette: How to donate blood in Green Bay Area: upcoming drives, Red Cross Center
