The American Red Cross is seeing fewer appointments at its blood donation centers and blood drives this summer.
During the summer months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors make an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer.
Blood and platelet donations are needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood with the Red Cross to help prevent a summer shortage.
Blood donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative are especially needed.
Red Cross blood donation opportunities will be available in Gadsden on July 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 622 Chestnut Street; July 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Etowah County Routine Mobile Chapter Building on 405 South 1st Street; July 25 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Premiere Cinemas 16 on 1001 Rainbow Drive; and July 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Premiere Cinemas.
To make an appointment or get more information about donating blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
