Blood, platelet donors needed to help prevent seasonal shortage

By: 
Press Staff Writer

        Just as most cars need to be refueled constantly, so does the nation’s blood supply. The American Red Cross reports a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.
        The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase, according to Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services.
        Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.
        “This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” Sullivan said. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”
        Fuel up offer
        As a thank-you, all who come to give through Aug. 31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Visit rcblood.org/fuel for details.
        Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
        • Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Toledo – Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
        • Oregon, Aug. 30, 12-6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5650 Starr Ave.
        • Curtice, Aug. 26, 12-5 p.m., Jerusalem Township Fire Department, 9501 Jerusalem Rd.
        • Elmore, Aug. 18, 12-6 p.m., Elmore American Legion, 279 Veterans Ave.
        • Fremont, Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., St. Ann Catholic Church, 1021 West State St.; Aug. 20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fremont Alliance Church, 936 Brush St.
        • Gibsonburg, Aug. 27, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Gibsonburg United Methodist Church, 795 W Madison St.
        • Lindsey: Aug. 15, 12:30-6:30 p.m., Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 S. SR 590.
        • Oak Harbor, Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p., St. John’s Lutheran, 122 W. Ottawa St.
        • Bowling Green, Aug.24, 10 a.m. - 3 p-.m., St. Mark Lutheran Church, 315 S. College.
        • Perrysburg, Aug. 24, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 East Indiana Ave.; Aug. 27, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saint Rose Catholic School, 217 E. Front St.
        How to donate blood
        To donate, 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.
        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 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.
        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/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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