The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid a looming blood shortage.
To help head off a more serious situation, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench. The public is encouraged to celebrate a summer of sharks and help shore up the national blood supply by giving in July.
In thanks for helping, the Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.
• July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
• July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities are listed below
Franklin County:
July 24, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Goode Township, 108 North Walnut, Sesser.
July 31, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Christopher Civic Center, 208 North Thomas Street, Christopher
Jefferson County
July 24, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Rolland Lewis Community Building, South 27th Street, Mount Vernon.
July 26, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., First Baptist Church, 301 North Central Street, Woodlawn.
July 28, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., YMCA of Jefferson County, 2424 Broadway St., Mount Vernon.
July 28, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Logan Street Baptist Church, 800 N 42nd Street, Mount Vernon.
Marion County:
July 21, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Apostolic Church of Salem, 1600 Mills Cart Road, Salem.
July 27, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Centralia American Legion Hall, 117 South Poplar, Hwy 51, Centralia.
July 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Centralia Recreation Complex, 115 East 2nd Street, Centralia.
Washington County:
July 19, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Ashley Community Building, 660 East Main Street, Ashley.
July 19, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Peter United Church of Christ, 106 West Church, Okawville.
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
