As the nation confronts a severe blood shortage, the American Red Cross and regional blood banks are urging people to donate blood. They say the rise in the number of trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries requiring blood products in recent months has depleted supplies.
The Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply. To meet the rising demand, the agency says it has distributed approximately 75,000 more blood products than expected over the past three months.
“Some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care,” says Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services.
As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross maintains an ongoing list of blood drives you can search by zip code and state. You can narrow down your search by selecting criteria such as driving distance and dates.
Several Habersham County churches and the Sautee Nacoochee Center in White County have scheduled blood drives in late July and early August, but you don’t have to wait. You can attend any of the available blood drives listed by scheduling appointments online.
LifeSouth is also working to replenish area blood supplies through mobile collection sites. The regional blood bank operates in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Similar to the Red Cross, LifeSouth teams up with local businesses to hold blood drives at convenient locations.
Recently, working with MyGeorgia Credit Union, LifeSouth held donor drives in Clayton and Gainesville. Another blood drive is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, at MyGeorgia Credit in Clarkesville. The mobile blood drive will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the credit union office located at 120 Sawmill Road.
Another blood drive is scheduled for July 1 at MyGeorgia Credit in Cleveland.
On July 24, Air Methods Corporation, operator of AirLife, will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its airbase at the Habersham County Airport. All donors will receive a recognition item and will have a chance to see the medical helicopters AirLife uses to transport patients.
“The summer is typically a tough time for blood collections. Patients in area hospitals rely on volunteer blood donors throughout the summer to ensure that blood is there when they need it most,” says LifeSouth’s Donor Recruiter Jennifer Griffeth.
Hrouda, too, stresses the vital need for blood donors during these summer months. “As we return to pre-pandemic activities and resume travel to visit loved ones, we want people to remember the needs of patients this summer and the power so many of us have to help save lives.”
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.
For more information on upcoming blood drives in your area, visit lifesouth.org and the American Red Cross online.
