RIBC X Tomorrow Fund team up for blood donations

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Blood Center and the Tomorrow Fund are teaming up to encourage the community to donate blood or platelets this April.

This partnership will take place from April 14 to 19.

RIBC will donate one dollar to the Tomorrow Fund for each donor during this time.

The blood center said that one of the most common needs for blood and platelets is to help cancer patients through their treatments.

According to RIBC, 18,000 units of blood are provided to Hasbro Children’s Hospital annually.

The Tomorrow Fund is there to support children with cancer and their families.

RIBC shared that the nation’s blood supply has struggled in recent years due to variables like school and work schedules changing.

Youth donations represented 25% of blood supply in recent years, but has reduced to 10% of the country’s donations.

Spokesperson for RIBC Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick shared that there is a critical need for O- blood type and platelets at this time.

The RIBC urges eligible donors to make a blood or platelet donation.

To make an appointment, call (401) 453 – 8383 or visit the Rhode Island Blood Center’s website.