Red Cross Issues Immediate Call For Blood Donations

Last updated on Wednesday, November 14, 2018

(UNDATED) - The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals need. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

"This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it's important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity," said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana Ohio Blood Services Region. "From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn't stop for the holidays. People can give back - and help those in need - by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come."

An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally - and approximately 120 blood drives locally in the Indiana Ohio Region - are needed in December, January, and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 13 - Dec. 15:

Bartholomew County
Columbus

11/27/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bartholomew County Library, 536 5th Street

11/28/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Developmental Services Inc., 2920 10th Street

Brown County
Nashville

11/14/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Parkview Church of the Nazarene, 1750 East State Road 46

Decatur County
Greensburg

12/6/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Decatur County Memorial Hospital, 720 N. Lincoln Street.

Jennings County

North Vernon

11/20/2018: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Jennings County High School, 800 West Walnut Street

11/21/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 240 Poplar

Johnson County
Edinburgh

11/24/2018: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Edinburgh Apostolic Tabernacle, 701 South Main Street

Franklin

11/21/2018: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Walmart, 2125 North Morton

Greenwood

12/15/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kid's Kicking Cancer - Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road

Lawrence County
Bedford

11/15/2018: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Indiana University Health Bedford, 2900 W. 16th Street
11/15/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 2202 M Street
11/19/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Leatherwood Christian Church, 3518 Leatherwood Road

Martin County
Loogootee

12/13/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., St. Johns Catholic Church, 408 Church Street

Shoals

12/12/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Shoals Christian Church, 602 N. Main Street

Monroe County
Bloomington

11/13/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Indiana University Blood Drive - Phi Mu, 1442 N Jordan Ave
11/14/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/15/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/16/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., City of Bloomington, 401 N. Morton, Suite 210
11/16/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/17/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/21/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/23/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/24/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/26/2018: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Indiana Memorial Union Building, 900 E. 7th St.
11/28/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/29/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
11/30/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/1/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/3/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Indiana University - Indiana Memorial Union, 900 E. 7th Street
12/5/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/6/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ivy Tech Community College, 200 Daniels Way
12/6/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/7/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/8/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/11/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Indiana University Air Force ROTC, 900 E. 7th Street
12/11/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road
12/12/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/13/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/14/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/15/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.

Morgan County
Camby

11/18/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grace Church, 4172 Allison Road

Vigo County
Terre Haute

12/14/2018: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Honey Creek Mall, 3401 South Highway 41

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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