Red Cross seeks blood donations

The demand for blood is increasing at a rate of 14 percent because of new technology, according to a Red Cross press release. But the Red Cross said its ability to collect blood is only increasing at half that rate and the organization generally sees a decrease in blood donations during this season because of busy holiday schedules.\nTo help combat this decrease, the IU Holiday Blood Drive will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. in the Georgian Room of the Indiana Memorial Union.\nThe Red Cross attributed the increased need for blood to more advanced procedures and treatments and an aging population. The press release said many times a decrease in donations can lead to critical blood appeals and emergency situations. It said sometimes when hospitals are low on blood they are not able to perform elective surgeries, such as organ transplants.\nThis year IU Holiday Blood Drive donors will receive a T-shirt and pizza. Other refreshments will also be served.\nDonors must be at least 17 years old (there is no upper age limit) and weigh at least 110 pounds.