Pickaway County, OH — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency appeal starting Monday due to a critical shortage in the national blood supply. The organization is facing a dramatic 25% drop in inventory, largely attributed to extreme heat and an uptick in summer travel that has disrupted blood drives across the country.
The Red Cross is calling on donors of all blood types to step forward and contribute as soon as possible. The urgent need for donations is underscored by a significant shortfall of over 17,000 blood donations recorded in July, compounded by ongoing high hospital demand for blood products.
“Heat waves have affected nearly 100 blood drives nationwide, further exacerbating the seasonal challenges like travel and summer activities,” said a Red Cross spokesperson. “These factors have led to a substantial decrease in available blood, with type O inventory levels critically low.”
To address this shortage, the Red Cross is offering a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email to anyone who donates blood in August. Local blood drives in Pickaway County are scheduled throughout the month, and community members are encouraged to participate:
Tuesday, Aug. 6: Pickaway County District Library – Crites-Hannon Meeting Room, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Schedule Appointment: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: CirclevilleLibrary
Friday, Aug. 9: Bloomfield Community – South Bloomfield Municipal Building Shelter House, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Schedule Appointment: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: SBC
Friday, Aug. 9: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – PSR Gathering Space, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Schedule Appointment: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: StJosephCatholic
Thursday, Aug. 15: AMVETS Post 2256 – Meeting Room, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Schedule Appointment: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: AmvetsPost2256
Wednesday, Aug. 21: Trinity Lutheran Church – Noecker Hall, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Schedule Appointment: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: TLC
E-posters for these drives have been provided and can be posted on websites or social media to help spread the word. The Red Cross appreciates all community support in these challenging times.
For more information or to schedule a donation, visit the Red Cross website or call the provided number. Your donation could make a life-saving difference.
