With the American Red Cross experiencing a national blood shortage, local blood drives are coming up. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.
Currently, hospital blood product distributions are outpacing the number of blood donations. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed. There is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.
Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
All donors through September 18th will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last. Those who give blood or platelets throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, and will have a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.
The upcoming blood donation opportunities in Bartow County are the following:
Wednesday, 09/13, from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church at 183 West Main Street in Cartersville
Monday, 09/25, from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 102 South Main Street in Adairsville
Tuesday, 09/26, from 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Cartersville Civic Center at 435 West Main Street in Cartersville