As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the American Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year.
The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases significantly challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year, one of the largest year-to-year decreases. Locally, the Missouri-Arkansas Red Cross Region has experienced a 13.4% decrease in new blood donors this year.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will be entered for a chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of “The Matrix Resurrections.” Those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Dec. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Marshall Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center, 782 W. North St. in Marshall.
Dec. 15 from 1 to 6:15 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, South Osage in Tipton.
Dec. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1515 SE State Highway DD in Warrensburg.
Dec. 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Stover Community Center, 600 Legion Drive in Stover.
