BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Among many things that the coronavirus has impacted, blood is one of them.
The American Red Cross is experiencing the lowest blood supply in more than a decade.
"Between the busy schedules, breaks from school, holiday travel, and winter weather all contribute to a drop in blood and platelet donations this time of year. You know, and the Red Cross, like you said, is facing a dangerous situation," said Jake Reines, account manager for the American Red Cross.
As blood supply continues to be depleted, the Red Cross warns that if this doesn't change this could threaten essential medical care for patients.
"We do need a lot of donors to come out. Like I said, some patients may not receive the blood transfusions that they need because of this shortage," Reines said.
Spikes in coronavirus cases have not only led to fewer donors but also fewer blood drives.
"The sponsors that we have historically relied on due to still the ongoing pandemic, a lot of our schools are still not hosting blood drives. Those makeup about 33% of our blood supply,' Reines said.
As long as you're symptom-free, the Red Cross says there is no waiting period needed for those who have received the flu or COVID-19 vaccine.
"Donors at least 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent can come out and donate blood," Reines said. "High school students 18 years and younger, we do have certain height and weight requirements, but donors in general can help. At least 110 pounds can come out and donate blood."
If you're wanting to donate, there will be several blood drives held between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2.
Here are the locations:
Boise
12/20/2021: 11:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Boise Elks Lodge #310, 6608 W. Fairview Ave.
12/20/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Create Church, 10481 W. Fairview Ave.
12/27/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Salvation Army, 9492 W. Emerald St.
12/27/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Boise Public Library, 715 S Capitol Blvd.
12/27/2021: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Ada Community Library - Lake Hazel Branch, 10489 W. Lake Hazel Road
12/28/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5900 Castle Drive
12/28/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Five Mile Church of the Nazarene, 2701 S. Five Mile Road
12/29/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Five Mile Church of the Nazarene, 2701 S. Five Mile Road
12/30/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 3050 S. Shoshone St.
Kuna
12/21/2021: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Kuna Library, 457 Locust Ave.
Meridian
12/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., PowerSeeker CrossFit, 345 S. Adkins Way
12/20/2021: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Canyon Home Care and Hospice, 2440 S. Titanium Pl
12/20/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Treasure Valley Baptist Church, 1300 S Teare Ave.
12/27/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Village at Meridian/Eagle Road, 2260 N. Eagle Road
Caldwell
12/17/2021: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Valley, 1122 W. Linden
12/23/2021: 9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Church of Christ, 4012 S. 10th Ave.
12/23/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3015 S. Kimball Ave.
12/29/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Best Western Plus Caldwell Inn, 908 Specht Ave.
Nampa
12/21/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 8 S Midland Blvd.
12/22/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Greenhurst Building, 3904 E Greenhurst Road
Payette
12/30/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., First Baptist Church, 15 N. 10th St.
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