Red Cross encouraging blood donation amidst national shortage

BUFFALO — The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.

The Red Cross experienced a significant blood and platelet donation shortfall in August, contributing to the current blood and platelet shortage. To ensure the blood supply recovers, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs.

As a thank-you, those who come to give through Oct. 20 will receive a $15 amazon.com gift card by email. Details are available at redcrossblood.org/together.

The Red Cross provides community blood drives and donation centers across the Western New York region. Those who may have previously given at a local business blood drive are encouraged to book a time to give at one of these locations by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossnblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Allegany County

Almond – Oct. 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alfred Almond Bible Church, 6751 Route 21.

Fillmore – Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fillmore Community Center, 104 W. Main St

Friendship – Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friendship Central School, 46 W. Main St.

Houghton – Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Nielsen Physical Education Center, 7286-7330 Campground Road.

Scio – Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Scio Central School, 3968 Washington Ave.

Wellsville – Oct. 13, noon to 4:30 p.m., American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson St.

Cattaraugus

Allegany – Oct. 19, noon to 5:30 p.m., Fireman’s Community Center, 188 W Main St.

Conewango – Oct. 25, 1:30-6:30 p.m., Conewango Fire Hall, 12447 Northeast Road.

Ellicottville – Oct. 20, 1-6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 6360 Route 242 East.

Gowanda – Oct. 25, noon to 5 p.m., American Legion Post 409, 100 Legion Drive.

Olean – Oct. 6, noon to 5 p.m., Olean Public Library, 134 N. 2nd St.

Olean – Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Olean Family YMCA, 1101 Wayne St.