The American Red Cross calls on donors to give blood or platelets now to maintain a steady national blood supply. Type O blood donors are especially key to keeping critical blood products on hospital shelves into August.

Even a strong blood supply can experience a sudden drop — potentially impacting the availability of lifesaving blood and platelets that could help new mothers, burn and trauma patients, and those facing cancer. Help safeguard patient care by booking a time to give blood or platelets. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Escanaba

Aug. 5 – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wellspring Church, 301 N Lincoln

Aug. 13 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wellspring Church, 301 N Lincoln

Aug. 19 – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wellspring Church, 301 N Lincoln

Aug. 20 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wellspring Church, 301 N Lincoln

Carney

Aug. 14 – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Carney Evangelical Free Church, 52 Church Street

Stephenson

July 30 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Legion, 5554 River Rd

How to donate blood 

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

\Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.