Red Cross blood shortage: Incentives to donate blood

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Gary Wilson of South Euclid has bandages on both arms because he's a blood platelet donor. A process that takes about two hours to do.

Wilson has been giving blood since he was in his 20s. Now he is 78 years old.

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"There is a need. And it's the easiest thing you can do to help society," Wilson said.

Dedicated folks like Wilson make up the backbone of the Red Cross donors, but there is always a need for more people to get involved.

So, from now until November 17, the Red Cross is trying something a little different.

"So right now if you come to donate, you'll get a $10 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice, and we know people are busy and appreciate them taking the time to do that," Red Cross Spokeswoman Christy Peters said.

Offering incentives to give blood is not a new thing for the Red Cross. They've had sweepstakes and at different times partnered with Cleveland sports teams for ticket giveaways, college challenges and so many other promotions.

Ten dollars is not a huge amount but the Red Cross hopes it will help jump-start conversations about donating during the holidays.

"We just try to find unique ways, maybe not for donors who come all the time, but to get new donors in who have never done it before or perhaps people who haven't given for a really long time. Sometimes it's just that extra push to get them back in the door and donating and get back into the habit," Peters said.

Nationwide, blood donations have been down, especially over the past six months. Many factors are keeping people from blood drives, from extreme weather to people simply going on vacation.

With the holidays putting more demands on time, it's always crucial to keep people taking part in the easiest thing they can do to help others.

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"I do it for just the potential of how it meets the needs of other people as it's been said blood is an easy donation and people need it," Wilson said.

In addition to the e-gift cards, if you give blood from now until November 17 you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of two $7,000 dollar gift cards.

If you would like more information about donating blood, blood drives and the organization's latest incentives,.