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Blood Emergency: Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood and Platelet Donors

The American Red Cross is issuing an emergency call for blood in the wake of fewer donations than needed coming in during the July 4th holiday week. Ronnika McFall is with Red Cross Communications.

“The Red Cross has an emergency need for blood after a tough Independence Day week for blood donations,” according to McFall. “About 450 fewer blood drives were held the week of July 4th, this led to about 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed.”

The organization had already started it’s missing types campaign this summer in an effort to meet the need. The Red Cross and partners are removing the letters A, B and O from their logos to remind people to donate blood.

“We are urging donors to come help fill the missing types. Blood donations are currently being sent out to hospitals faster than donors are coming in.”

The organization strives to keep a five-day supply of blood on hand.

“It’s important to remember than blood is a perishable item, and cannot be stockpiled in advance, but the Red Cross supply can be replenished when generous volunteers roll up a sleeve to give blood.”

McFall says they are looking for individuals, clubs, businesses and organizations to host blood drives during the summer

The southern region, which includes Georgia, collected 726 fewer donations than usual during the holiday week. An additional 8,000 appointments have been added in the effort to get more donations.

For information or to set up an appointment to donate, visit Red Cross blood.org, use the free Blood Donor AP, or call 1-800 Red Cross, or 1-800-733-2767.

To host a drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Host A Drive.

Upcoming Blood Drives:

Barrow

Winder

7/9/2019: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Winder and Fort Yargo Wards, 36 Sims Rd.

Clarke

Athens

7/9/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Clarke

Athens

7/10/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Oconee

Watkinsville

7/10/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Ashford Memorial Methodist Church, 1 S Main St.

Clarke

Athens

7/11/2019: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Clarke

Athens

7/12/2019: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Clarke

Athens

7/13/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Barrow

Bethlehem

7/14/2019: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 709 Christmas Avenue

Clarke

Athens

7/14/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Barrow

Winder

7/15/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winder Wesleyan Church, 64 East Midland St.

Clarke

Athens

7/15/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Clarke

Athens

7/16/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

Jackson

Commerce

7/16/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Civic Center, 110 State St.

Clarke

Athens

7/17/2019: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., University of Georgia Memorial Hall, 101 Sanford Drive

7/17/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr

7/17/2019: 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Eaton, 695 Indian Hills Drive

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