Please give now: Donors needed to protect Red Cross blood supply

The American Red Cross stresses that blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to combat a drastic shortfall in donations over the last several weeks. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets.

Record-breaking summer travel and severe weather conditions are expected to persist all season long, which may prevent donors from being able to give. When fewer people donate, less blood is available for hospital patients. Make a blood or platelet donation a priority this summer. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCross-Blood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

World Blood Donor Day One June 14, the American Red Cross celebrated World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply, and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven’t given in a while, or who have never given before.

Those who come to give June 10-30, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 10-30 in Clark County: -- June 20 at K& S Logistics, 111 East Miller Street in Greenwood. 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

-- June 24 at American Legion Post 73, 6 Boon Blvd in Neillsville. 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

-- June 25 at Thorp Fire & Ambulance District Station, 101 S. Wilson Street in Thorp. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- July 1 at Abbotsford City Hall, 203 N. First Street in Abbtosford. 12 to 5 p.m.

How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCross-Blood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identifi cation 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/Rapid-Pass or use the Blood Donor App.

Tina Galetka donates blood May 30 at the Loyal American Legion. She has donated approximately 40 times for 5 gallons donated in all.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO