Four people will lose their jobs when the Gainesville Red Cross Blood Donation Center closes in a couple of months.
Red Cross spokesman Ronnika McFall confirmed late last week that the office will close March 15.
"This decision is in response to a continued industry-wide decline in the demand for blood products and the need for consolidation of operations," McFall wrote in an email. "Mobile blood drives in the Gainesville area will continue without interruption. All other Southern Blood Services Region blood donation centers will remain open and continue to collect platelets and whole blood donations."
Red Cross donation centers nearest the Gainesville facility are in Alpharetta, Athens, and Duluth.
"This decision will not affect the availability of Red Cross blood products for those in need," McFall added. "Area hospitals will continue to receive the blood products needed for patients without interruption."
McFall said the four people who are losing their jobs as a result of this decision are being encouraged to apply for any open positions with the Red Cross.
"We deeply regret the loss of jobs and will provide support and services according to current benefits packages for each affected employee."
