Red Cross urges blood donations as summer demand rises

FOX23 News at 9 p.m
Sasha Moore,

KENTUCKY (KBSI) — The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood and platelets this summer as seasonal challenges and a decline in scheduled donations put pressure on the nation’s blood supply.

The organization announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to promote blood donations ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Donors who give blood between June 29 and July 12 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross and Looney Tunes T-shirt while supplies last.

The Red Cross said summer travel, busy schedules and severe weather can disrupt blood collection efforts. Officials noted that scheduled donations account for about 90% of the organization’s blood supply and have declined significantly in recent weeks.

“Every donation is critical to keeping the blood supply strong during the summer months,” the Red Cross said.

Several blood drives are scheduled across western Kentucky and Southern Illinois in the coming weeks, including events in Paducah, Benton, Mayfield, Murray, Calvert City, Metropolis and Ullin.

Upcoming local blood drives include:

  • Broadway Church of Christ, Paducah:** July 8-9
  • Calvert City Civic Center:** July 6
  • CFSB Benton Banking Center:** July 1
  • CFSB Mayfield:** July 10
  • First Presbyterian Church, Murray:** July 7
  • Harrah’s Metropolis:** July 1
  • Jonquil Place Event Center, Paducah:** June 26
  • Mayfield-Graves County YMCA:** July 2
  • Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital:** June 24
  • Murray Masonic Lodge:** July 10
  • Shawnee Community College, Ullin:** July 7
  • St. John’s Episcopal Church, Murray:** June 29
  • Symsonia Baptist Church:** July 6
  • VFW Post 5837 Auxiliary, Morgantown:** July 11

The Paducah Blood Donation Center will also host multiple donation opportunities through July 12.

Individuals can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Most donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health to be eligible to donate.

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