T-L Photo/Jennifer Compston-Strough A blood drive is slated for 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library Annex, located at 611 N. Chestnut St.

BARNESVILLE — The American Red Cross is hoping to see an increase in donor turnout for its first local blood drive of the New Year.

The event is set for 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library Annex, located at 611 N. Chestnut St.

Phyllis Riccadonna, regional account manager with the Red Cross, said the organization has a goal of collecting around 20 units for the drive; however only nine people have signed up to donate so far.

“We still have a way to go yet. We have a little bit of time but were hoping to get more donors signed up in that area,” she said. “We’re hoping that blood donors will come forward for the New Year and help us out to donate.”

Riccadonna said the Red Cross is in urgent need of all blood types, especially O-negative, the universal blood type. She said the need for blood increases substantially in the winter months due to factors including the weather, holidays and people’s health.

“The issue with winter is that people have more health issues, so we don’t have as many donors coming out in the winter as we do other times when they’re healthier,” she added.

Riccadonna said the Red Cross has been experiencing a lot of cancellations of appointments and staffing issues due to COVID-19.

She said many of the Red Cross’ repeat donors are not coming out as much as previously, most likely due to being sick with the virus or the flu.

“On top of that, we’re seeing no-show rates increase at our blood drives. So we’re hoping to get some new blood donors,” she said.

Riccadonna is hoping 2022 will bring in new donors to help increase the blood supply.

“Starting the new year with new blood donors wanting to help patients in need is a good way to start the new year,” she added.

Those interested in donating blood at the drive can call 1-800-733-2767 or visit the website RedCrossBlood.org and enter BLibrary to register. Riccadonna said organizers will accept walk-in donors, though she recommends making an appointment to ensure the donor receives the time slot they want.

All COVID safety measures will be in place. She said everyone will be required to wear a mask, which will be available at the drive site.

The Red Cross is also planning for its 36th annual Ohio Valley Media Day Blood Drive, set for Jan. 24 in Wheeling.

“It’s our biggest blood drive in the region and the biggest blood drive for our area here,” she said. “It’s a way to reach out to area donors and let them know that we’re here and we need them and we specifically need blood to reach our goals for hospitals in the area.”