American Red Cross urges spring blood donations, announces upcoming Marshall County drives

The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for blood donors of all types, including first-time donors, to book appointments in the coming days and weeks to ensure hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared for patient needs.

As warmer weather arrives and spring vacations begin, normal routines are often interrupted. The Red Cross notes that even small shifts away from regular donation patterns during the spring season can lead to a rapid drop in the availability of critical blood products.

To help combat this seasonal dip, the Red Cross has scheduled two upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County:

• Wednesday, April 29: The Shack at Culver Academies (1300 Academy Road, Culver) from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13: Plymouth Fire Department (111 North Center Street, Plymouth) from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To encourage participation, the Red Cross is offering special incentives for donors this spring. Those who come to give blood through April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. More details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.

Additionally, donors who give between May 1 and May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email, courtesy of a partnership with Amazon. Details for this promotion are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon.

Residents are encouraged to spread kindness this spring by scheduling a time to give. Appointments can be booked by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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