American Red Cross to Hold Blood Drives Amid Emergency Blood Shortage

Three blood drives will be held this month in northern Kentucky.

Shutterstock photo.

(Northern Kentucky) – The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage.

Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25 percent, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 17,000 blood donations in July.

To help offset the shortfall, some local blood donation drives have been scheduled in northern Kentucky at the following locations:

• Florence Mall on August 26 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM
• Delta Airlines, CVG on August 22 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Thomas More Saints Center on August 23 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org/Help.