INDIANA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expecting a severe flu season this year, and that could have a negative impact on the nation’s already-struggling blood supply. The American Red Cross continues to address an emergency blood shortage, and donors of all blood types – especially type O – are needed to make an appointment now to help ensure it doesn’t get worse as we move into winter.
As the holidays’ approach and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns about a potential spike in flu cases this year, it’s important that those who are eligible, healthy and feeling well make an appointment to donate blood.
The American Red Cross continues to address an ongoing emergency blood shortage, and donors are urged to give now to combat the lowest blood supply levels at this time of year in more than a decade.
According to the CDC, flu cases reached an all-time low last year due to masking, physical distancing, and shutdowns across the country, and many Americans may have reduced immunity this year. When seasonal illness increases, the number of healthy blood donors tends to decrease. Paired with winter weather, busy holiday schedules, and ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the already-struggling blood supply could be further impacted throughout winter.
There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free. Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To encourage donations this month, all who come to give Nov. 1-23 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Those who come to give around the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 24-28, will receive a pair of Red Cross socks, while supplies last.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 16-30
Lawrence
Bedford
11/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Leatherwood Christian Church, 3518 Leatherwood Road
Monroe
Bloomington
11/24/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bloomington Community RSMO, 401 North Morton Street
Bartholomew
Columbus
11/19/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Developmental Services Inc., 2920 10th Street
11/24/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Commons, 300 Washington Street
11/30/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Columbus Municipal Airport, 4770 Ray Boll Blvd
Hope
11/19/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hauser High School, 9423 N. State Rd 9
11/29/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hope Moravian Church, 202 Main Street
Hamilton
Fishers
11/16/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Billericay Park Multi-Purpose Community Building, 12690 Promise
Road
11/27/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis, 12400 Reynolds Drive
11/30/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Billericay Park Multi-Purpose Community Building, 12690 Promise Road
Hendricks Avon
11/23/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Washington Township Parks, 435 Whipple Lane
Brownsburg
11/30/2021: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Connection Pointe Christian Church, 1800 North Green Street
Madison
Anderson
11/19/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Madison Park Church of God, 6607 Providence Drive
Marion
Indianapolis
11/17/2021: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross, 1510 North Meridian
11/18/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., North Willow Farms, 1635 Brewster Road
11/20/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Abundant Life Church, 7606 East 82nd St.
11/22/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., IU Health Methodist Hospital, 1701 Senate Blvd.
11/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Chin Evangelical Baptist Church, 5610 South Meridian Street
11/24/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross, 1510 North Meridian
11/24/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Legion Post 500, 1926 Georgetown Road
11/29/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., JCC Indianapolis, 6701 Hoover Road
Jennings
North Vernon
11/23/2021: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Jennings County High School, 800 West Walnut Street
