Red Cross: Blood Supply Drops to 6-Year Low
The need for blood donations is critical right now. In fact, the blood shortage has reached levels not seen in years. The American Red Cross reports its end-of-summer inventory is the lowest it’s been since 2015.
The fall is when blood supplies start to surge, but that’s not the case this year. The recent delta variant surge is cited as contributing to the decrease in donors overall.
Red Cross blood drive at Pilgrim United Methodist Church in Plymouth.
Currently, the American Red Cross is working around the clock to meet the needs of communities nationwide, but they cannot do it alone. Carrie Carlson-Guest, regional communications director at the American Red Cross, calls it a “blood emergency.”
“Everyone knows someone who has had cancer, who’s been in a car accident, that may have had complications after a particularly difficult birth and those don’t stop happening when pandemics happen or other disasters happen. That need continues,” said Carlson-Guest.
The blood types needed most are O-positive and O-negative, but all donors are encouraged to make an appointment to help out with the shortage.
There are numerous local blood drives right here in the northwest suburbs where you can go to donate. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment before arriving to the blood drives.
Brooklyn Park
September 30th, 2021
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Community Activity Center (CAC)
September 30th, 2021
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 4700 Edinbrook Terrace
Crystal
September 29th, 2021
1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Crystal Community Center
October 5th, 2021
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VFW
Golden Valley
October 7th, 2021
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Valley Dental Group
October 13th, 2021
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Liberty
October 14th, 2021
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
King of Grace Lutheran Church
Maple Grove
September 29th, 2021
12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Jersey Mike’s
October 1st, 2021
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Hy-Vee
October 6th, 2021
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Community Center
October 11th, 2021
12:30 pm. to 6:30 p.m.
Jersey Mike’s
New Hope
October 14th, 2021
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
YMCA
Plymouth
September 28th, 2021
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Energy Management Collaborative
October 6th, 2021
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
October 11th, 2021
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Messiah United Methodist Church
Blood drives will be following safety protocols to ensure the public is protected. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows high standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Brooklyn Park | Crystal | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | New Hope
