American Red Cross
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
Heat impacted more than 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Tiffany Davison with the Red Cross reminds Hutch Post that the August blood drive in Hutchinson is still going on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Chili dogs, chips & ice cream sandwiches are available each day and cinnamon rolls will be served on Wednesday morning at First Presbyterian Church at 201 East Sherman.
Below are the Hutch Post area donation opportunities.
Reno County
Hutchinson
8/6/2024: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman
8/7/2024: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman
8/28/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hutchinson Community College Student Union, 1300 N Plum St
8/30/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, 1701 East 23rd
9/5/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Legend of Hutchinson, 2416 Brentwood
South Hutchinson
8/14/2024: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple
Rice County
Sterling
8/28/2024: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sterling High School, 308 E. Washington
9/6/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sterling College, 125 W. Cooper
Pratt County
Pratt
8/16/2024: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Pratt Community Building, 619 N. Main
Harvey County
Burrton
8/30/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Burrton Community, 203 N. Burrton Ave
Halstead
8/12/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Catholic Parish, 414 Locust
8/21/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gardenview School, 11626 NW 36th Street
Newton
8/15/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Harvey County, 120 E 7th
8/19/2024: 11:45 a.m. - 6 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 N. Main
8/20/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 N. Main
Kingman County
Kingman
9/6/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kingman Community Hospital, 750 W. Ave. D
McPherson County
Inman
8/9/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Peters United Church of Christ, 111 N Pine
Mc Pherson
8/7/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Joseph Catholic Church, 520 E. Northview
8/29/2024: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Central Christian College, 1200 S. Maple
9/6/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., McPherson College, 1600 Euclid
McPherson
8/14/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Prairieland Partners John Deere, 2401 E. Northview
8/16/2024: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., McPherson YMCA, 220 N. Walnut
Moundridge
8/8/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., MKC Learning Center, 221 W. Hirschler St.
8/23/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pine Village Wellness Center, 86 22nd Ave
Stafford County
Macksville
8/29/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Macksville High School, 417 N. Gilmore
St John
8/22/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stafford County Annex, 210 E 3rd Ave