The American Red Cross is facing a potential blood shortage this winter, which could affect lifesaving care.
Donors are being urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible.
After a busy holiday season, winter weather and packed schedules have made it difficult for the Red Cross to maintain an adequate supply for hospitals.
Without immediate donations, doctors may face tough decisions about which patients receive transfusions and who may need to wait.
Blood types O, A negative, and B negative are especially needed at this time.
Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Locally, you can donate blood at the following drives:
Champaign County
- January 23: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Champaign County Public Library, 1060 Scioto Street, Urbana
Logan County
- January 12: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Patrick Church, 316 East Patterson Avenue, Bellefontaine
- January 16: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Huntsville Cemetery Office, 3691 County Road 37
- January 22: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., West Mansfield Conservation Club, 701 South Main Street
Donors must be at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.
High school students under 18 must also meet height and weight requirements.
Bring a blood donor card or a valid ID at check-in.
To save time, donors can complete the pre-donation reading and health history online using RapidPass® via RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or the Blood Donor App before arriving at the blood drive.
