Patients counting on blood and platelet donors as shortage continues

0
277
Blood donor proudly shows off bandaged arm after giving with the American Red Cross to help patients in need. Photo by Brad Zerivitz/American Red Cross

Donors who answer the call to help Nov. 1-12 entered to win an epic trip; receive $10 Amazon.com Gift Card Nov. 1-23

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – With Thanksgiving and the holidays approaching, the American Red Cross urges donors to continue to make and keep appointments now and in the weeks ahead to help overcome the ongoing emergency blood and platelet shortage that has significantly impacted the nation’s blood supply. In fact, the current blood supply is the lowest the Red Cross has seen this time of year in more than a decade. 

Since declaring an emergency need for donors last month, thousands of people have come to Red Cross blood drives across the country to roll up a sleeve and help patients who are counting on lifesaving transfusions. The Red Cross is incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity of these blood and platelet donors, but hospital demand remains strong. At least 10,000 more donations are needed each week in the coming weeks to meet patient needs – ahead of the upcoming holiday season, which always presents seasonal challenges to blood collection.

-Advertisement-

Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

In honor of the new series, I Know What You Did Last Summer, those who come to give Nov. 1-12, 2021, will automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.* The trip will transport you to where the series was filmed and includes round-trip airfare for two, hotel accommodations for nine nights, meals, $1,000 gift card for expenses and on-trip transportation with tour stops from Honolulu to Maui. Plus, those who come to donate Nov. 1-23 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card* by email, thanks to Amazon.**

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-23

Carthage

11/11/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 2000 Grand

Joplin

11/11/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kansas City University, 2901 St Johns Boulevard

11/19/2021: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Walgreen’s, 2001 South Rangeline Road

11/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Joplin Elks Lodge #501, 1802 West 26th Street

-Advertisement-