BLOODMOBILE

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. 

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

How to help

Eligible donors can find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.

BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Fairmont

11/16/2018 8:30 am-3 pm Farimont Jr.-Senior High School, South Gym

11/16/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 300 S. Grant St.

Blue Earth

11/19/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hope United Methodist Church, 12080 380th Ave.

Mapleton

11/20/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 102 Central Ave. N.

St. James

11/22/2018: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., National Guard Armory, 521 Armstrong Blvd. N.

Fairmont

12/4/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1201 Torgerson Drive

12/5/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1201 Torgerson Drive

12/6/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1201 Torgerson Drive

12/7/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mayo Clinic Health System, 800 Medical Center Drive