By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross continues to need more donations as life begins to get back to a typical level of activity.
"The Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases and transplants and elective surgeries rise," said Brittney Rochell, Regional Chief Communications Officer for the Red Cross.
Blood donors are needed now to help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July holiday and beyond.
"We are really trying to encourage anybody to give blood, but especially if you are Type O," Rochell said. "With less than a half-day supply of Type O in recent weeks, there's an emergency need for Type O donors."
Summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline due to vacations for those who regularly donate.
"We're encouraging anybody that's given before, or somebody new, that might be a first-time donor," Rochell said. "It's a way to give back to their community."
There are two Reno County blood drives this week in Hutchinson on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clayworks at 1125 N Main Street and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center at 1701 East 23rd. To make your appointment, go to redcrossblood.org.