Idaho Health Workers Urge Residents to Give Blood During December Holiday Rush
With demand for blood typically rising and donations falling over the holidays, the Red Cross has scheduled dozens of drives across the Treasure Valley through the end of the month.
By Wei Zhang ·
Healthcare workers in Idaho are encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood this December, a month when supplies are often strained.
The holiday season usually brings a rise in the need for blood alongside a drop in the number of people donating. That mismatch is the reason health workers are making their appeal as the year draws to a close.
To help close the gap, the Red Cross is holding dozens of blood drives across the Treasure Valley. Appointments can be scheduled online through the organization.
Boise has the largest share of the events. Sites include the Basque Center on Dec. 11, the Banner Bank Building and St. Luke's Health System on Dec. 14, and Boise Towne Square Mall on Dec. 15, 20 and 21. Later in the month, drives are planned at locations such as Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center on Dec. 27, the Library! at Bown Crossing on Dec. 28, and Covenant Presbyterian and the Boise Public Library on Dec. 29.
Elsewhere in Ada County, Eagle will host drives at Eagle City Hall on Dec. 12 and at St. Luke's Eagle Medical Plaza on Dec. 20. Kuna has an event at Eagle Christian Church Kuna on Dec. 9 and another at the Kuna Library on Dec. 21. Meridian residents can give at the South Meridian YMCA and a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building on Dec. 18, the Idaho State Police District 3 Patrol building on Dec. 28, or Treasure Valley Baptist Church on Dec. 29.
Canyon County has a full calendar as well. In Caldwell, drives run from Dec. 8 at West Valley Medical Center, Southwest District Health and the College of Idaho, through Dec. 22 at a Church of Christ and a Latter-Day Saints church. Other Caldwell locations include the Caldwell Family YMCA, Canyon County Paramedics and Our Lady of the Valley. Nampa's schedule begins Dec. 6 at Real Life Community Church and continues through Dec. 29 at the Holiday Inn, with stops at Ashley Furniture Store, Trinity Lutheran Church, the Nampa Public Library and several other churches.
Smaller communities are also taking part. Parma will host a drive at the Parma Rural Fire Protection District on Dec. 29, Mountain Home at the American Legion Hall on Dec. 18, and Payette at First Baptist Church on Dec. 26.
The drives listed run from Dec. 6 through Dec. 31, and times vary by location, so donors are advised to check the online scheduling page for hours and addresses before choosing a site.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: KIVI Idaho News 6
