Red Cross Urges Marshall County residents to donate blood in June for shortage

Monday, June 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm over a recent drop in scheduled blood donations and is calling on residents of all blood types to step up and give this summer, with several upcoming donation opportunities available right here in Marshall County.

The Red Cross says donors are urgently needed to maintain a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves heading into the summer months. Officials warn that as temperatures rise and schedules fill up with end-of-school-year activities, travel, and summer breaks, donation appointments are being postponed or missed altogether — a trend that has already contributed to an alarming decline in scheduled donations in recent weeks.

The start of Atlantic hurricane season on June 1 adds another layer of concern, as severe weather can quickly disrupt donation efforts in affected regions, further straining an already tight national supply.

To encourage donors to act, the Red Cross is offering a special incentive this month. Anyone who donates between June 1 and June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.

Upcoming Marshall County Blood Drives:

Thursday, June 11 — Plymouth Columbus Club, 901 East Jefferson Street, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17 — Culver-Union Township Public Library, 107 North Main Street, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 18 — Argos United Methodist Church, 540 North Michigan Street, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 — Plymouth Fire Department, 111 North Center Street, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.