Red Cross executive director donates platelets to raise awareness

ROANOKE, Va. – New American Red Cross-Virginia region executive director donated blood platelets to raise awareness for the need for blood donations. 

Jackie Grant is new to the director position. She started about a month ago.

On Thursday, she did a three-hour platelet donation. Her goal was to show the critical need for blood and platelets during the summer months. 

Grant said donating platelets is a longer process, but it's worth it. Platelets are used more immediately than other blood donations. They can be used for traumatic injuries and cancer treatment,