Becky Watkins donates platelets and plasma with the help of phlebotomist Sariah Kenney at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center and Lab in Murray on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. Watkins had adenocarcinoma of the trachea when she was 8 years old. Donating plasma and platelets, which she said takes her a few hours, is Watkins’ way of giving back.

The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood as we enter a new year, those who help may win the trip of a lifetime. Those who donate blood now through Jan. 26. will automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

The Inland Empire has a new blood donation center. The American Red Cross’ first such facility in the Inland region is now open. A Tuesday, Dec. 17, ribbon-cutting event heralded the arrival of the Riverside Blood Donation Center at the agency’s renovated Humanitarian Services chapter office in the city.

It’s easier to donate than you might think. Staff is onsite to make sure all those willing to donate are healthy enough to do so.

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is calling for blood and platelet donations to prevent potential shortages during the critical winter months. The organization stresses the urgency of maintaining a steady blood supply as severe weather and seasonal illnesses threaten to disrupt donation efforts.

The American Red Cross is asking donors to make an appointment to keep the blood supply high this winter. The American Red Cross said that collecting blood products is particularly challenging at the start of the new year,