Red Cross facing a national blood shortage; donors needed

          The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most-needed blood types to hospitals. 

Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.

          While donors of all blood types are needed, there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.

          Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

          Those who come to give throughout September will receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts. They’ll also be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

          Upcoming local blood donation opportunities through Sept. 30 include:

          • American Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

          • Oregon: Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital, 2600 Navarre Ave.

          • Curtice: Sept. 29, 12-5 p.m., Jerusalem Township Fire Department, 9501 Jerusalem Rd. 

          • Bowling Green: Sept. 20-21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Bowling Green State University, Olscamp Hall; Sept. 29, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wood County Hospital, 950 W. Wooster St.

          • Fremont: Sept. 27, 12-6 p.m., YMCA of Sandusky County, 1000 North St.

          • Graytown: Sept. 30, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Zion United Methodist Church, 18045 W. William St.

          • Lindsey: Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 S. SR 590.

           • Pemberville: Sept. 19, 12-6 p.m., Pemberville American Legion, 405 East Front St.

           • Perrysburg: Sept. 25, 1-6 p.m., Perrysburg Schools Board of Education, 140 East Indiana Ave.

           • Walbridge: Sept. 27, 12-6 p.m., Mainstreet Church, 5465 Moline-Martin Rd. 

          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.

Volunteer

          The Red Cross urges everyone to 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 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.