The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and platelets this fall to help restock the shelves following a significant summer shortage to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need.
Through the first two weeks of September, the Red Cross is down more than 10,000 donations from what is needed to replenish the blood supply and be prepared for emergencies large and small. Declines in donations can lead to blood shortages and make it difficult to meet patient needs should a disaster or emergency occur.
“September is National Preparedness Month and we urge eligible donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets,” Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment of the Southern Blood Services Region. “Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition like sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale disaster, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Red Cross blood and platelet donors play an important role in helping communities be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.”
Donors of all blood types are needed as blood products continue to be distributed to hospitals almost as quickly as donations come in. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Monday, Sept. 19, 1:30-6:30 p.m., Fayetteville Christian Church, 114 Hickory Road, Fayetteville.
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2-7 p.m., Bodyplex, 60 Thomas Grace Annex Lane, Sharpsburg.
Thursday, Oct. 6, noon-5 p.m., Asa M. Powell Expo Center, 197 Temple Ave., Newnan.
Thursday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Piedmont Fayette Hospital Building 1279, 1279 W. Highway 54, Fayetteville.
Sunday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 179 East Lanier Ave., Fayetteville.
Monday, Oct. 10, 3-7 p.m., Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Parkway, Fayetteville.
Friday, Oct. 14, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Glenloch Recreation Complex, 601 Stevens Entry, Peachtree City.
To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
