Upcoming July Blood Drives

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. 

Blood donors are urgently needed to give to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood.

A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. 

Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. On top of that, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives are driving the decline which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.

The most important way to help end the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood now by going to  RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood drives include:

• July 15 - Fort Hays Tech North Central Wellness Center in Beloit (11:30 AM to 6 PM)

• July 30 - Methodist Church in Courtland (11:30 AM to 4:30 PM)

• July 31 - Catholic Parish Center in Clay Center (9 AM to 3 PM)