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.
Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet current demand as hospitals respond to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, organ transplants and elective surgeries.
Anyone who donates between July 7 – 31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, and will be entered to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value, according to officials).
Also, all those who come to donate throughout the entire month of July will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s
Berry Farm. To learn more, click here.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility, according to officials.
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 –
- 7/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct.
- 7/26/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, 100 West Michigan Ave
- 7/27/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Northbridge Community Baptist Church, 8824 Douglas Ave
Portage –
- 7/27/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Oakland Drive Christian Church, 7331 Oakland Drive
- 7/30/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., The Crossroads Mall, 6650 South Westnedge Ave.
Battle Creek –
- 7/20/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., North Avenue Church of God, 1079 North Avenue
- 7/21/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 111 E Michigan Ave
- 7/26/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Trinity Neighborhood Center, 10 W. Bidwell St
- 7/31/2021: 10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Lakeview Square Mall, 5775 Beckley Road
Three Rivers
- 7/20/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Jo Co Hall, 805 Wood Street
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