Blood drives scheduled to help overcome national shortage

        The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans.
        Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
        Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 17,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
        “It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment.”
        To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
        As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma now through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon gift card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
        Upcoming local blood donation opportunities include:
        • American Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
        • Oregon: Aug. 27, 12-6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5650 Starr Ave.
        • Curtice: Aug. 23, 12-5 p.m., Jerusalem Township Fire Department, 9501 Jerusalem Rd.
        • Bowling Green: Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Mark Lutheran Church, 315 S. College; Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 20189 N. Dixie Highway.
        • Elmore: Aug. 15, 12-6 p.m., Elmore American Legion, 279 Veterans Ave.
        • Fremont: Aug. 14, 12-6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan; Aug. 21, 12-6 p.m., Fremont VFW, 204 Birchard Ave.; Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Terra State Community College, 2830 Napoleon Rd.; Aug. 31, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fremont Alliance Church, 936 Brush St.
        • Lindsey: Aug. 12, 12-6 p.m., Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 S. SR 590.
        • Oak Harbor: Aug. 19, 12-5:30 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran, 122 W. Ottawa St.
        • Perrysburg: Aug. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mercy Health Perrysburg Hospital, 12621 Eckel Junction Rd.; Aug. 21, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 East Indiana; Aug. 27, 1-6 p.m., Perrysburg Schools Board of Education, 140 East Indiana Ave.
        • Woodville: Aug. 16, 12-5 p.m., Woodville Township Fire Department, 321 E. Main St.