MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The American Red Cross is urging area residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood during a series of upcoming blood drives in Hutchinson as the organization works to recover from an emergency nationwide blood shortage.
Blood drives are scheduled for July 31, Aug. 3, Aug. 4 and Aug. 5, with Red Cross officials saying every donation is critical after the national blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent during June.
Logan Wright with the American Red Cross said blood donations typically decline during the summer months, but this year's shortage is significantly more severe than normal.
"We usually do see a dip in donations in summer, but this is much more critical than we're used to seeing," Wright said. "People are on vacation, universities are out of session and we're also seeing extreme heat, illnesses and other factors that have reduced donations."
Wright said the combination of those factors has left the organization dangerously close to a crisis.
"We are a couple of days away from crisis levels if things don't change," Wright said. "We want to make sure everybody gets the emergency care they need, but if we don't get the blood supply back up, doctors are going to start having to make some choices about routine and elective care."
Blood donations are used every day for patients undergoing surgeries, receiving cancer treatments, recovering from traumatic injuries and facing other life-threatening medical emergencies. Because blood has a limited shelf life and cannot be manufactured, Wright said volunteer donors are the only source hospitals can rely on.
"The need for blood is constant on a good day," Wright said. "This is not a good day, so we really need everybody who can donate to come out and donate. If you can't donate, spread the word. Bring someone in your family or community who can."
A single blood donation can help save up to three lives.
For those who have never donated before, Wright said the process is straightforward. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment in advance through redcrossblood.org, the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
After checking in, donors complete a brief health screening that includes blood pressure, hemoglobin and iron level checks. The actual blood donation generally takes between five and 10 minutes, followed by about 15 minutes of rest and refreshments before leaving.
"We want your wait time to be shorter, so appointments are encouraged," Wright said. "This would be a perfect time to start your blood donation journey."
The Red Cross is also offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who gives blood through July 31 will receive a digital Fandango movie ticket coupon.
Upcoming Hutchinson blood drives include:
- Friday, July 31: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N. Adams St.
- Monday, Aug. 3: Noon to 6:30 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave.
- Tuesday, Aug. 4: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave.
Appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org. Organizers are also encouraging businesses, churches, civic organizations and individuals to help spread the word to friends, family and coworkers to help replenish the nation's blood supply.