According to the American Red Cross, there continues to be an emergency need for donations of all blood types, especially type O, to address a severe blood shortage.

According to a press release, Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can
be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.

Anyone who donates blood or platelets anytime July 30th through Aug. 30th will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

For more information, visit RedCross.org.

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area July 25-Aug. 15:

In St. Joseph:

8/10/2018: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Family Insurance – In Memory of All Cancer Victims, 2335 N. Belt Hwy Suite C

In Leavenworth, Kansas:

7/26/2018: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fairfield Inn and Suites, 1101 N. 4th Street
8/14/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Guidance Center, 500 Limit St.

In Platte City:

7/25/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Platte County Community Center North, 3101 Running Horse Road