American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage; local donation opportunities available this month

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation's blood supply fell nearly 25% in June, and residents are being urged to donate now.

The decline, driven by busy summer schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives, has left Red Cross hospitals distributing nearly 3,500 units more per week than expected — at the height of trauma season, when demand is already elevated. The shortage is especially critical for O-positive and B-negative blood types.

"Without a readily available blood supply, emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can't support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait," said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross Medical Director. "We're asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions."

As a thank-you, all donors who give between July 13th and July 31st will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 value). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July.

Marshall County Donation Opportunities This Month

• Thursday, July 16th | 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Columbus Club, 901 East Jefferson Street, Plymouth
• Wednesday, July 29th | 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | St. Isidore Hall, 803 W. Bike Street, Bremen
• Wednesday, July 29th | 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. | Plymouth Fire Department, 111 N. Center Street

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).