The American Red Cross has issued a national blood crisis declaration, calling on voluntary donors to give blood immediately as summer donations have fallen to a four-year seasonal low.
According to the Red Cross, this is only the second time in its history that it has declared a national blood crisis. Officials say the shortage has become severe enough that distributions of type O blood products to hospitals are being limited. While all blood types are needed, type O donations are especially critical.
The Red Cross says extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to lower donor turnout this summer, while hospital demand for blood remains high.
The Red Cross states that those who donate blood through July 31st will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued at up to $15 plus fees. Donors who give between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area include:
La Porte County
- Tuesday, July 28th, from 8am to 1pm at Northwest Health La Porte Hospital, at 1331 State Street in La Porte.
- Friday, August 7th, from 11am to 4pm at the La Porte County Library Main Branch, at 904 Indiana Avenue in La Porte.
- Saturday, August 8th, from 9am to 1pm at Northwest Health La Porte Hospital, at 1331 State Street in La Porte.
- Friday, August 14th, from 11am to 4pm at Northwest Health La Porte Hospital, at 1331 State Street in La Porte.
Marshall County
- Wednesday, July 29th, from 11:30am to 5:30pm at St. Isidore Hall, at 803 West Bike Street in Bremen.
- Wednesday, July 29th, from 2pm to 6pm at the Plymouth Fire Department, at 111 North Center Street in Plymouth.
- Thursday, August 13th, from 11:30am to 4:30pm at the Culver-Union Township Public Library, at 107 North Main Street in Culver.
- Thursday, August 13th, from 11:30am to 5:30pm at the Plymouth Columbus Club, at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
Pulaski County
- Wednesday, July 29th, from 11:30am to 5:30pm at the Pulaski County Highway Department, at 1131 U.S. 35 in Winamac.
Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. The organization says blood donations are needed immediately to help ensure hospitals have enough blood products for patients throughout the remainder of the summer.
