Medford Rogue Rotary Club, Red Cross host blood drive

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Rogue Rotary Club teamed up with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at the Eastwood Baptist Church.

This is at least the second Red Cross blood drive in the Rogue Valley this week, after the Red Cross announced a national blood shortage on Monday.

“There’s a great need for blood right now, especially with O+ and A+ donors,” said Gary Newland, head of the blood drive program with the Rotary Club. “We’re hoping to get a lot more people in and I hope there are others out there that are thinking about donating.”

For those who are thinking about donating, Newland, a retired physician, said the process is quick and easy. Additionally, donating blood will help save a life. 

“It’s a rewarding thing to give something of your life to someone else,” Newland said. “Sometime in our life, one of us will need blood, most of us will need blood.”

This isn’t the first time the Red Cross has announced a national blood shortage. Newland said the supply really started to deplete during the pandemic. With the help of blood drives, Newland and the Red Cross hopes they can make a difference.

Another blood drive will take place at the Medford Blood Donation Center on Sept. 23. To make an appointment to donate blood, click here.