CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsRed Cross in need of blood donors

Red Cross in need of blood donors

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC)- Even though Patrick Lamontagne says the Red Cross needs blood donations every day, the organization is in a real need for blood now because donations have dropped off due to illness.

"You definitely cannot donate if you have H1N1 or any type of flu or cold.  If you do it can be passed on to other patients that receive your blood," he said.

Lamontagne says another reason people need to donate is because anticipating a large tragedy is impossible. He says Thursday's Fort Hood shooting is a prime example.

"If there is somebody that goes crazy and kills others we need to make sure there is blood available for the victims that survived the incident," he said.

With the holiday season now underway, the need for blood is even higher. "People tend to donate less because they are vacation or traveling.  Also around holidays we also see an increase in the usage of blood because there are so many accidents," said Lamontagne.

Lamontagne says donating regularly can help keep blood supplies up so the Red Cross does not have to make pleas and organize massive blood donor campaigns to assist those in need.

"There is already a supply there," said Lamontagne.

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