The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet and type O blood donors. Make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue receiving critical medical care.
When Idalia slammed into the Southeast — leading to widespread power outages, travel hazards and flooding — the storm also forced the cancellation of over a dozen blood drives and caused hundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This compounded a shortfall of about 30,000 donations in August. Right now, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations.
The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
In thanks for helping rebuild the blood supply, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.
Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience.
Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.
Local Red Cross blood drives this fall include:
• Sept. 21: Noon to 6 p.m. at Burleson Recreation Center, 550 N.W. Summercrest Blvd. in Burleson
• Sept. 29: Noon to 6 p.m. at Elks Lodge 811, 124 FM 1434 in Cleburne
• Oct. 3: 2-7 p.m. at Alvarado Senior Citizens Center, 201 E. College St. in Alvarado
• Oct. 23: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 390 John Jones Drive in Burleson
• Nov. 21: Noon to 6 p.m. at Burleson Recreation Center, 550 N.W. Summercrest Blvd. in Burleson
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross launched the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to grow the number of Black blood donors and improve patients’ health outcomes.
Together, longtime and first-time blood donors are helping patients with sickle cell manage their symptoms and show support for their community.
Joined by Blood is the initiative’s focus during Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September and continues through October.
This year, the Red Cross is proud to partner with organizations focused on mentorship, including 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Kier’s Hope Foundation, Inc.; historically Black colleges and universities and member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council; as well as the Black Radio Hall of Fame and others, who are all showing up for patients with sickle cell by hosting blood drives.
To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where 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 must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
Amplify your impact — volunteer
A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we are at the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a Red Cross Disaster Action Team member. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.