Health emergencies don’t pause for a pandemic or holiday celebrations. The American Red Cross needs the help of blood donors across the country now to ensure patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood.

As the U.S. experiences a new surge in COVID-19 cases, the Red Cross is becoming increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply - including convalescent plasma.

A convalescent plasma donation collects plasma from COVID-19 survivors because antibodies to the disease in their blood may help patients who are currently fighting the virus. Increased hospitalization of patients with coronavirus this fall and winter has caused the Red Cross to distribute a record number of COVID-19 plasma products to hospitals treating patients who are battling the virus.

As a thank-you for helping meet the need for blood donations through Dec. 15, Suburban Propane is offering blood, platelet and plasma donors a chance to win an Outdoor Living Experience, to enjoy socially distanced celebrations with family and friends this holiday season. The prize includes a propane-powered pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor heater and stipend toward propane.

Find a donation opportunity using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies, which helps provide insight to donors concerning possible prior exposure to this virus.

Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within one to two weeks through our Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

As part of this effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma. Each week, whole blood donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute between 350-500 units of potentially lifesaving convalescent plasma for patients in need.

The Red Cross is not administering diagnostic tests intended to diagnose illness. As such, to protect the health and safety of our staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through Dec. 15 in Northeastern Pennsylvania:

Monroe County

• Brodheadsville: Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chestnuthill Park, 221 Route 715 S.

• Stroudsburg: Wednesday, 1-6 p.m., Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 547 Main St.

Schuylkill County

• Ashland: Dec. 7, 1-6 p.m., Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road

• Tamaqua: Dec. 2: Noon to 6 p.m., St. John United Church of Christ, 150 Pine St.