The Red Cross is offering gift cards for blood donations in Wisconsin amid a national shortage

The Red Cross is urging people of all blood types to donate as soon as possible after the organization experienced a significant blood and platelet donation shortfall since August.

To recover its supply, the Red Cross needs 10,000 additional blood donations each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient demand, according to a statement from the organization.

Donors who come to give between Oct. 1 until Oct. 20 will receive a $15 Amazon gift card via email for their donation.

How to donate blood in Wisconsin

The Red Cross offers three ways to make a donation appointment:

You’ll need a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate blood.

Why is there a national blood shortage?

The Red Cross national blood supply dropped by about 25% over the end of the summer during a busy travel season, according to a news release.

Additionally, many employees are still working from home, which reduces the number of people giving blood at business-sponsored blood drives. Before the pandemic, more than 800,000 blood donations were made at blood drives hosted by businesses. Last year, the Red Cross saw about 500,000 blood donations at these locations.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in and around Milwaukee

Greendale:

Oct. 13: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hose Tower, 5699 Parking St.

Oct. 26: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Martin Luther High School, 5201 South 76th Street

Milwaukee:

Oct. 9: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Adalbert Parish and School Milwaukee, 1913 W Becher St.

Oct. 11: 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at MobCraft Beer Brewery and Taproom, 505 S. 5th St.

Oct. 12: 9 a.m. to 3p.m. at HoneyCreek Corporate Center, 115 S 84th St.

Oct. 19: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Schlitz Park, 1555 N River Center Dr.

Oct. 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 309 The Renaissance, 309 N. Water Street

Oak Creek

Oct. 13: 9 a.m. to 2p.m. at the Salvation Army Oak Creek Centennial Church, 8853 S. Howell Ave.

West Allis

Oct. 25: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W. Lincoln Ave.

Whitefish Bay

Oct. 27: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Bay Library, 5420 N. Marlborough Dr.