The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid a looming blood shortage.
To help head off a more serious situation, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench. The public is encouraged to celebrate a summer of sharks and help shore up the national blood supply by giving in July.
In thanks for helping, the Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks. Those who donate between July 12 and August 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Additionally, presenting donors between July 17 and 31 will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Details are available at http://RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit http://RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
•July 18, noon to 5 p.m., Grace Church of the Nazarene, 2924 South Union Street, Rochester;
•July 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Leos Church, 110 Old Hojack Lane, Hilton;
•July 24, 1 to 6 p.m., Riga Town Hall, 6460 Buffalo Road, Churchville;
•July 25, 1 to 6 p.m., Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Road, Rochester;
•July 25, 2 to 6:30 p.m., Calvary Assembly, 3429 Chili Avenue, Rochester;
•July 26, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Chili Community Center, 3237 Chili Avenue, Rochester;
•July 27, 1 to 6 p.m., Brockport Fireman’s Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue, Brockport;
•July 27, 1 to 6 p.m., Spencerport Fire District, 175 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport;
•July 31, noon to 5 p.m., First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Road, Hilton.
Provided information
