Austin blood drive highlights need for donors during national shortage

AUSTIN, Minn. – The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Hormel Historic Home in Austin on Monday.

This comes as the organization is facing a critical shortage of blood.

Over 40 people signed up to give at the blood drive, enough to fill the schedule for the day.

For an organization with only a day’s worth of blood in reserves, any extra it can get is crucial.

As we get closer to the holidays, the need for blood becomes direr as potential donors go on vacation.

O positive and O negative are the most desired blood types, though the Red Cross is in need of all types.

Donated blood can be used for red blood cells, plasma, and platelets which can go to multiple people at once.

According to the donors at the drive, giving blood is definitely worth it.

“They tell us each time you donate, you can save up to three lives,” said Miriam Luhmann, who has given 20 gallons of her own blood.

“It’s a great way to help, said Andrea Volbrecht. “It makes you feel good, knowing that you’re doing something for someone else in need.”

“It’s very rewarding when you get that notification that your blood has gone to somebody,” said Mary McNiff.

The American Red Cross runs multiple blood drives in Austin each week. The organization is appealing to everyone who is able to give blood to do so.

According to the blood drive workers, it’s nowhere near as scary as it seems.

The Hormel Historic Home will be hosting another blood drive with the American Red Cross on December 20th.