Red Cross: Donation shortfall may impact blood supply

$10 e-gift card for donors in August

Submitted by the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. For those who don’t know their blood type, making a donation is an easy way to find out this important personal health information. The Red Cross will notify new donors of their blood type soon after they give.

The Red Cross needs donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All who come to give throughout the month of August will get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Aug. 10-31) include:

Erie County

•Amherst

Aug. 16, 23, 30 and Sept 6: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive

•Buffalo

Aug. 11: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave

Aug. 18: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road

Aug. 21: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., William-Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William St.

Aug. 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University at Buffalo North Student Union

•Clarence

Aug. 15: 1-6 p.m., Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place

•Elma

Aug. 31: 2-6 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1230 Bowen Road

•Getzville

Aug. 29: 1-6 p.m., St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Father Weber Center, 1700 N. French Road

•Grand Island

Aug. 18: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Grand Island Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road

•Hamburg

Aug. 10: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Revive Wesleyan, 4999 McKinley Parkway

Aug. 31: 1-6 p.m., Hamburg United Methodist Church, 116 Union St.

•Kenmore

Aug. 23: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave.

•Marilla

Sept. 2: 8 a.m. to noon, Marilla Firehall, 1940 W. Ave.

•Orchard Park

Aug. 25: 1-6 p.m., St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church, 5930 S. Abbott Road

•Springville

Aug. 16: 1-7 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive

•West Seneca

Aug. 22: 1-6 p.m., Union Fire Co., 1845 Union Road

Sept. 6: noon to 4 p.m., St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3951 Seneca St.

•Williamsville

Aug. 12: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Gregory Ministry Center, 100 St. Gregory Court

Niagara County

•Lewiston

Aug. 9: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, 145 N. Sixth St.

•Lockport

Aug. 8: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

Aug. 30: 1-6 p.m., South Lockport Fire Co., 5666 Transit Road

•Middleport

Aug. 21: 1-6 p.m., Middleport Firehall, 28 Main St.

•Niagara Falls

Aug. 4: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joe Cecconi's Chrysler Complex, 2380 Military Road

Aug. 19: 8 a.m. to noon, St. John de LaSalle, 8477 Buffalo Ave.

How to Donate Blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the blood donor skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Amplify Your Impact − Volunteer!  

A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.

Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross disaster action team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

More About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.