Red Cross seeks summer blood donors

American Red Cross information

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets and help prevent a summer shortage.

The call for donations is supported by a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showing that more than 40 percent plan to travel the week before or after Independence Day, an indicator that many eligible donors may be unavailable to give.

In addition, fewer blood drives are scheduled the week before and after Independence Day, because many hosting organizations postpone blood drives while people are on vacation.

Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to schedule an appointment. Those who come to donate from July 2-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered baseball cap, while supplies last. To make an appointment and for more information, download the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED CROSS (800.733.2767).

“Adding blood or platelet donation to a vacation to-do list can mean so much to patients and their families,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross’ Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “It’s a simple act, taking as little as an hour, but can touch many lives.”

Local blood donations opportunities include the following:

Paulding County

• Wednesday, July 30, from 2 to 7 p.m., at Vancrest Health Care Center of Payne, 650 N. Main St. in Payne.

Van Wert County

• Thursday, July 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St Mark’s Lutheran Church, 160 W. Sycamore St. in Van Wert.
• Wednesday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service, 650 W. Ervin Road in Van Wert.