MILWAUKEE, Wis (Aug. 5, 2024) — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care. Heat impacted more than 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are
coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on. “It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life- threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially
important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.” The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help. Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 5-31:
Dodge County
Beaver Dam
8/5/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 311 W Mackie St
8/6/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 311 W Mackie St
Fox Lake
8/6/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Living Hope Community Church, 740 W. State St, PO Box 111
Horicon
8/14/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Horicon Police Department, 220 Ellison St
Juneau
8/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Human Services and Health Department, 199 County Road DF
Lomira
8/26/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 300 Church ST
Mayville
8/28/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 134 South Main Street
Randolph
8/7/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Village of Randolph, Village of Randolph, 248 West Stroud St
Waupun
8/16/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pizza Ranch, 900 W Main St
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Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac
8/21/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Church of Peace, 158 S Military Rd
8/27/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Avenue 795, 795 Fond du Lac Ave
8/29/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 625 W Rolling Meadows Dr
North Fond du Lac
8/9/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., North Fond du lac Community Center, 280 Garfield St.
Ripon
8/7/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ripon High School, 850 Tiger Dr
8/20/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church ELCA, 430 Griswold St
Saint Cloud
8/20/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6 p.m., St Cloud Athletic Club, 911 Main St
