GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Monday, the American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing its lowest blood inventory at this time of year since 2015, with less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks.
Officials say the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs.
Donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now and in the weeks ahead to help overcome this current shortage.
Officials add that as COVID-19 cases spiked in August, blood donor participation decreased about 10%, but blood product distributions to hospitals have remained strong, significantly outpacing blood donations in recent weeks.
“Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds as donors are more available to give than during the busy summer months, but this year has presented a unique and serious challenge,” chief medical officer for the Red Cross Dr. Pampee Young said. “While it’s clear the pandemic continues to weigh heavily on our minds, the Red Cross asks the public to remember donating blood and platelets is essential to the many patients that rely on lifesaving transfusions every day.”
Residents can make an appointment with the Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733- 2767).
Incentives:
- As a thank-you, all those who come to donate through Sept. 30 and help tackle the emergency blood shortage will receive a limited-edition football-inspired T-shirt while supplies last, plus a coupon for a free haircut via email from Sport Clips Haircuts.
- All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Terms and conditions apply for both incentives.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the Kalamazoo area:
- 9/29/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Wings Event Center #12 The Zoo, Wings Event Center #12 The Zoo, 3600 Vanrick Drive
- 9/29/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Boulevard
- 10/4/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 10/7/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 10/11/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 10/12/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Haven Reformed Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road
- 10/12/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., St Andrew Community Church, 3631 Covington
- 10/13/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 S Westnedge Ave.
- 10/14/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 10/18/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Road
- 10/21/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 10/27/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Northbridge Community Baptist Church, 8824 Douglas Ave
- 10/27/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 10/28/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive
To make an appointment or see upcoming events in other areas, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
