Demand remains high as nation heads into holiday week
American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma
WICHITA — The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July holiday and beyond.
Right now, the Red Cross is working around the clock to provide blood products to hospitals responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.
In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout. The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break − patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.
Donors are needed now to prevent further delays to patient care. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a thank-you, all those who come to give July 1-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last. And, donors who come to give July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). (Terms and conditions apply; visit rcblood.org/fuel).
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 28-July 15
Decatur
Oberlin
7/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Golden Age, 217 N Penn
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Ellis
Hays
7/6/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Comeau Campus Center, 506 W. 6th, Comeau Campus Center
7/12/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Hays, 305 W 7th St.
7/13/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., HaysMed, 2200 Canterbury
Hays Blood Donation Center
208 E. 8th
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Gove
Grainfield
7/2/2021: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Opera House, 296 Main St.
Quinter
7/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 218 W 4th
_______________<br>Graham
Hill City
7/14/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Graham County Hospital, 304 N. Prout
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Norton
Norton
7/8/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Norton Correctional Facility, E Hwy 36 and Hwy 67, PO Box 546
7/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Norton County 4-H Building, 126 East Park Street
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Osborne
Downs
7/7/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Memorial Hall, S. Morgan Ave.
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Phillips
Phillipsburg
7/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Phillips County 4-H Building, North Hwy 183
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Rooks
Plainville
6/28/2021: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 204 N. Irving
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Russell
Russell
6/29/2021: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn & Suites, 1430 S. Fossil
7/7/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn & Suites, 1430 S. Fossil
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Thomas
Colby
6/29/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5th