Blood supply facing stress, donors needed

OMAHA - A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American

Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time.

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give!

In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June are automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Help the Red Cross celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 8-30:

Box Butte - Alliance: 6/14/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Alliance Berean Church, 1639 Emerson

Custer - Broken Bow: 6/15/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Broken Bow Public Library, 626 S. D ST.

Custer - Merna: 6/22/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Community Center, 428 East Center

Grant - Hyannis: 6/15/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hyannis High School, 332 East Hwy 2, PO Box 286

Holt - Chambers: 6/29/2023: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 103 N. Norvell

Howard - Saint Paul: 6/16/2023: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Howard County Medical Center, 1113 Sherman St.

Howard - Saint Paul: 6/19/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St Paul, 423 Howard Ave

Rock - Bassett: 6/12/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Bassett United Methodist Church, 300 W Florence

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767). 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 (16 with parental consent 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.