Help tackle the need by giving blood with the Red Cross

(ABC 6 News) – When severe weather or disasters occur in parts of the U.S., it often leads to a decline in blood donation. People in unaffected areas are encouraged to donate blood to help ensure a stable blood inventory for those in need.

Currently, in the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, 19 local Red Cross relief workers and three of the five regional disaster response vehicles are deployed to support Hurricane Ida relief efforts. Since August 1, 62 local Red Cross volunteers have deployed to national disasters, including the California Wildfires, Hurricane Henri and the Tennessee Floods.

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help end the ongoing critical need for blood and kick off the season with a blood donation. The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to give now and help ensure lifesaving transfusions are on the sidelines for those who rely on them.

While summer winds down, the Red Cross is concerned that the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant and a potentially active hurricane season may further challenge the ability to collect and meet hospital demand. In recent weeks, the Red Cross has seen blood donor turnout decline by nearly 10% while hospital demand continues to outpace donations. This decline is believed to be due to multiple reasons, including the continued effects of the pandemic on blood drive cancellations and donor availability as well as back-to-school preparations for many families.

This September, the American Red Cross and our partner, Sport Clips Haircuts, are urging eligible donors to give blood to help tackle the needs of patients relying on lifesaving transfusions. As fall approaches, more donations are needed now to address the ongoing critical need for blood – especially as concern rises over a surge in COVID-19 cases that may further challenge the ability to collect enough blood for patients.

Make a game plan to donate – patients are relying on the kindness of blood donors for their continued treatment. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Having a stable blood supply is the best defense against a shortage. This September, donors can do good and look good when they give blood or platelets as part of the Red Cross and Sport Clips Tackle the Need. Give Blood. campaign.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 1-15:

Fillmore County

Chatfield

9/14/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Chatfield High School, 205 Union St.

Freeborn County

Albert Lea

9/2/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bridge Community Church, 2016 Bridge Ave.

9/7/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., North Bridge Mall, 2510 Bridge Ave.

Geneva

9/13/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Geneva Community Center, 314 1st Ave. SE

Goodhue County

Cannon Falls

9/1/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., VFW Cannon Falls, 218 4th St. N.

9/8/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Pius V Catholic Church, 410 W. Colville

Red Wing

9/9/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 320 West Ave.

9/10/2021: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., City Hall, 315 W. 4th St.

9/13/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cornerstone Community Church Red Wing, 420 W. Third St.

Welch

9/2/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 24036 County 7 Blvd.

9/3/2021: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 24036 County 7 Blvd.

Houston County

Eitzen

9/13/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Eitzen Lions Blood Drive, 202 E. Main St.

Mower County

Austin

9/2/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1200 NW 13th Ave.

9/3/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., YMCA, 501 4th Ave. NE

9/7/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Austin Utilities, 1908 14th St. NE

9/13/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Austin Eagles Lookout Arie 703, 107 11st NE

Steele County

Ellendale

9/3/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ellendale Community Center, 507 2nd St.

Owatonna

9/1/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., First Baptist Church Owatonna, 123 E. Main St.

9/3/2021: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Associated Church, 800 Havana Road

9/10/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Owatonna Hospital, 2250 26th St. NW

_______________

Wabasha County

Plainview

9/7/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 45 W. Broadway

Winona County

Winona

9/1/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Express Suites River Port Inn, 900 Bruski Drive

9/3/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., YMCA, 902 Parks Ave.

9/7/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Goodview Trinity Lutheran, 820 37th Ave.

9/10/2021: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Winona State University, Kryzsko Commons, 175 Mark St.

9/13/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Post #9, 302 E. Sarnia