Red Cross facing national blood shortage

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 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 800-733-2767.

Local blood drives include:

• Gillett: Noon to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Gillett Secondary School, 208 W. Main St.

• Bonduel: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 22, Bonduel High School, 400 W. Green Bay St.

• Pulaski: Noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, Assumption BVM Church, 124 E. Pulaski St.

• Shawano: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Shawano City Hall, 127 S. Sawyer St.; 1-6 p.m. Oct. 6, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 910 E. Zingler Ave.

• Lena: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 2, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 5246 St. Patrick’s Road.

• Oconto: Noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 5, Bond Community Center, 1201 Park Ave.

• Oconto Falls: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12, United Methodist Church, 165 N. Farm Road.

Those who give in September will receive a coupon for a free haircut by email through Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Visit www.redcrossblood.org/racetogive for information.