Blood and platelets needed nationally; local blood drives set

The national shortage of blood and platelets continues.

Since the American Red Cross announced the shortage a month ago, thousands have donated. But more is needed.

“The Red Cross must ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions and must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations – over and above expectations – each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs,” the Red Cross said in a news release. “Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those with type O blood or those giving platelets.”

To encourage more blood and platelet donations, the Red Cross is offering new incentives to donors over the next month. All who come to give Oct. 21 through Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a restaurant merchant of their choice. They’ll also be automatically entered to win a $5,000 gift card. Three winners will be chosen randomly each week. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Lunch.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines don’t affect donor eligibility as long as donors are feeling healthy and well on the day of their donation.

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Upcoming Monroe County blood drives:

• Oct. 21: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church – East, 6272 W. Albain Road

• Oct. 23: 1-6 p.m., Erie Post 3925, Veterans of Foreign Wars post home, 1944 Erie Road

• Oct. 26: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wagar Middle & Senior High School, 11270 Grafton Road, Carleton

• Nov. 1: Noon-6 p.m., Douglas Road Elementary School, 6875 Douglas Road, Lambertville

• Nov. 6: 1-6 p.m., Bridgepoint Church, 9875 Lewis Ave., Temperance

To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS.