Briefs: Red Cross seeks blood donors, rail crossing closing, Rail Safety Week and more

Red Cross facing a national blood shortage

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors.

Five blood drives remain in Marion County in September, including one Friday at The Alber Red Cross Center. Schedule an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Marion RR crossing closed next week

The Norfolk Southern rail crossing on West Center Street between Davids Street and Park Boulevard will be closed from 8 a.m. Monday until 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29.

Norfolk Southern will be completing crossing repairs at this location

Rail Safety Week reminds Ohioans to be alert at rail crossings

COLUMBUS — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation are participating in Rail Safety Week, Sept. 18-24.

Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States. Crashes at rail crossings can be more severe than other collisions and are more likely to result in death and injury.

The state is encouraging you to follow these steps for safety:

• Always expect a train. Trains do not run on schedules.
• Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal.
• The only safe and legal place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate.
• Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention.
• Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates.
• Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions.
• Stay off railroad bridges, trestles and out of railroad tunnels. Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment.

With 36 freight railroads operating approximately 5,300 miles of track and over 5,600 public grade crossings, Ohio is the fifth leading state in terms of goods transported by rail.

In 2022, there were 61 train-vehicle collisions at public railroad crossings in Ohio, including four fatalities.

Mid-Ohio Traumatic Loss Response Team to hold volunteer training Sept. 29

Cornerstone of Hope’s Mid-Ohio Traumatic Loss Response Team is holding a volunteer training from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Marion Nazarene Church, 233 W. Church St.

This team trains volunteers to provide support, resources and companionship to people as soon as possible after losing a loved one to suicide or substance abuse. Volunteers can be professionals, clergy, community members or individuals who have themselves experienced traumatic loss. Additionally, volunteers can serve on the team in various roles, such as data management, community outreach, administrative support and more.

Marion Star