HYANNIS – The recent cold snap that sent temperatures plunging and kept people inside has contributed to a significant decrease in blood donor turnout at recent Cape Cod Healthcare collections.
The healthcare provider is putting out an urgent call this week for people who may be able to donate in the coming days.
A blood drive last Thursday was forced to close early due to the storm and another drive set for last Sunday was cancelled because of the extreme cold.
A statement from institution said whole blood only has a shelf life of 42 days and platelets have a shelf life of just five days.
All the blood collected at Cape Cod Healthcare blood drives stays on Cape Cod and is used for patients during surgery, trauma or for chronic conditions.
Numerous blood drives are scheduled across the area during January, which has been declared National Blood Donor Month.
Everyone who donates blood at a Cape Cod Healthcare event during January will be eligible for dinner and overnight stay at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.
All donors will receive a complimentary t-shirt.
You can locate a blood drive location at www.capecodhealth.org/give-Blood.
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