Contributed report
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 19,000 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. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
Listed below are some local opportunities to give blood:
In Buffalo: Friday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Buffalo Evangelical Free Church, 2051 50th St. NE; Friday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stellis Health, 1700 Highway 25 N; Wednesday, Aug. 14,12 – 6 p.m., Presbyterian Church, 507 County Road 134 NE; Friday, August 16, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Buffalo High School, 877 Bison Blvd.
In Delano: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Delano High School, 700 Elm Ave.
In Monticello: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 12 – 6 p.m., VFW, 713 S Cedar St.; Thursday, Aug. 29, 12 – 6 p.m., St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 413 3rd St. E
The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. 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 Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross region is comprised of nine community chapters and five Blood Donation Centers, the Minnesota and Dakotas Region serves more than 7.3 million people. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. Visit RedCross.org/MNDAKS to learn more.