American Red Cross urges donations as blood shortage increases

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Officials with the American Red Cross announced Tuesday that it is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise.

Todd Kulman with the ARC says donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care.

Kulman adds that, as a thank you, those who donate from  now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

A list of dates in the Kalamazoo area can be found below, and more information on how to make an appointment can be found by clicking here.

Kalamazoo:

• 6/15/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Delta Hotels byMarriott Kalamazoo, 2747 South 11th Street
• 6/15/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Court.
• 6/16/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., St Augustine Cathedral, 600 West Michigan Avenue
• 6/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Haven Reformed Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road
• 6/24/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
• 6/28/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, 100 West Michigan Ave
• 6/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
• 6/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., West Kalamazoo Christian Church, 454 S. Drake
• 6/30/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Boulevard

Three Rivers:

• 6/16/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Jo Co Hall, 805 Wood Street
• 6/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Moorepark Community Church, 55701 Wilbur Rd.

Battle Creek:

• 6/18/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church, 65 N Bedford Rd
• 6/22/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Holiday Inn, 12812 Harper Village Drive
• 6/23/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Holiday Inn, 12812 Harper Village Drive
• 6/25/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m., Battle Creek First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Ave NE
• 6/26/2021: 10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Lakeview Square Mall, 5775 Beckley Road
• 6/30/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 111 E Michigan Ave

Portage:

• 6/18/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., St. Michael Lutheran Church & School, 7211 Oakland Drive
• 6/24/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Renovation Church, 1715 W. Centre
• 6/25/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., The Crossroads Mall, 6650 South Westnedge Ave.

Richland:

• 6/18/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road