Red Cross In Urgent Need of Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is asking anyone who is able to make an appointment and give blood to address a winter blood donation shortage.

According to a press release, severe winter weather has caused 150 blood drives to cancel meaning over 5,500 blood and platelet donations were not collected.In addition to lower donations in November and December due to seasonal illnesses and hectic holiday schedules meant 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed.

According to the press release, “Even temporary disruptions to blood donations can diminish the availability for hospital patients,” said Sue Thesenga, communications manager of the local Red Cross Blood Services Region. It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency, and that’s why we’re asking eligible individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets today.”

While all blood types are urgently needed, there is a more critical need for the following blood
and donation types right now:

• Type O negative: The blood type that can be transfused to almost everyone and is
  what doctors reach for in trauma situations.
• Type B negative: The blood type that can be transfused to type B Rh-positive and
  negative patients.
• Type AB: The plasma type that can be transfused to almost everyone and can be
  donated through a platelet or plasma donation, where available, or during a regular
  blood donation.

To sign up for a local blood drive go to: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 8 – 31:

Aitkin:

Hill City
1/9/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hill City Assembly of God, 102 Lake Ave.
_______________
Carlton:

Cloquet
1/11/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Journey Christian Church, 1400 Washington Ave.
_______________
Crow Wing:

Baxter
1/20/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pointway Church, 7756 Highland Scenic Road
Brainerd
1/26/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Good Samaritan Society-Bethany, 804 Wright St.
1/31/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., American Legion Post 255, 708 Front St.
Crosby
1/11/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, 320 E. Main
1/12/2018: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, 320 E. Main
Emily
1/8/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Emily City Hall, 39811 State Highway 6
_______________
Douglas:

Alexandria
1/11/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1204 N. Nokomi

1/15/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 420 Irving St.
1/16/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 420 Irving St.
1/25/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Cornerstone Church, 202 7th Ave. E.
_______________
Morrison:

Motley
1/9/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Motley United Methodist Church, 847 3rd Ave. S.
Pierz
1/19/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Horizon Health, 26814 143rd St.
_______________
Otter Tail:

Fergus Falls
1/17/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Bigwood Event Center, 925 Western Ave.
1/18/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Bigwood Event Center, 925 Western Ave.
1/19/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bigwood Event Center, 925 Western Ave.
Henning
1/23/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 607 2nd St.
Parkers Prairie
1/24/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Parkers Prairie High School, 411 South Otter Ave.
Pelican Rapids
1/16/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lake Region Electric Company, 1401 South Broadway
Underwood
1/17/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Underwood High School, 100 Southern Ave. E.