As Twin Lakes Area residents head into a long Fourth of July weekend, the American Red Cross is asking those who are eligible to give blood to do so.
Joe Zydlo, the regional communications manager for the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas, says the region has seen a 10% increase in the use of blood products compared to the same time in 2019 and the Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage headed into the summer months.
Zydlo explains how the Red Cross defines what a severe shortage is.
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A would-be donor may schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. (1-800-733-2767).
Those donating July 1-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last. Donors who give blood July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email, plus be entered into a drawing to win gasoline for a year, a $5,000 value.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine is a key part of determining donation eligibility.
Zydlo says all blood types are needed this summer.
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Red Cross blood drives are planned in Harrison, Mammoth Spring, Horseshoe Bend and Mountain Home after the Fourth of July holiday. Visit KTLO.com for a complete list of July’s blood drive events.
Zydlo recommends using the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule an appointment, especially if the donor is interested in finding out what happens to their blood after the donation.
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Area donations are first shipped to the Red Cross’ laboratory in St. Louis to be tested and processed, then are usually sent to a hospital or blood bank in the region. Zydlo estimated that process would take a week or less given the current blood shortage.
The Red Cross typically sees a decline in the amount of blood donated during the summer and winter months as would-be donors travel and take vacations. Last year, the Red Cross did not see a decline in donations in either the summer or winter months, most likely due to those donors staying at home those months.
Upcoming area blood drives
July 6, Harrison, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road
July 9, Harrison, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Independent Living Inc., 206 South Cherry Street
July 9, Mammoth Spring, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Mammoth Spring High School, 415 Main Street
July 9, Horseshoe Bend, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Faith Presbyterian Church, 1001 3rd Street
July 14, Mountain Home, 5 a.m.-4 p.m., Baxter Healthcare, 1900 Highway 201 North, Mountain Home
July 15, Mountain Home, noon-5 p.m., Christian Church, 1365 Eastside Centre Court
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