It’s been nearly a month since the American Red Cross announced a national blood shortage. The organization says since then, thousands of donors throughout the United States have rolled up a sleeve to rebuild its blood and platelet supply, but the Red Cross still needs to collect 10,000 additional donations each week over the next month to meet hospital needs.
The Red Cross is offering incentives to encourage more blood donations. Anyone giving between Oct. 21 and Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card by email for lunch at a restaurant merchant of choice. In addition, donors will be automatically entered to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Lunch.
Opportunities to donate in north central Arkansas include three in Mountain Home. The Red Cross will have blood drives at Alley-White American Legion Post 52 on Market Street Wednesday from 10 to 2, Baxter Health Oct. 23 from 8:30 to 2:30 and Christian Church of Mountain Home at Eastside Centre Court Nov. 9 from noon to 4.
The Red Cross will have three other blood drives this coming Wednesday. Locations include Valley Springs High School on School Street from 9 to 1, Yellville-Summit High School on Panther Avenue from 11 to 4 and Izard Regional Hospital on Grasse Street in Calico Rock from 1 to 5.
The Red Cross will also be at Moko Church of Christ on Asher Road, north of Salem, Oct. 26 from noon to 5, Marshall High School on U.S. Highway 65 Oct. 27 from 9 to 2, North Arkansas College’s south campus on Pioneer Drive in Harrison Nov. 1 from 9:30 to 2:30, Methvin Sanitation on West Industrial Park Road in Harrison Nov. 3 from 1 to 5, Mammoth Spring High School on Goldsmith Avenue Nov. 9 from noon to 4, Pace Industries on the Highway 65 Bypass in Harrison Nov. 9 from 2 to 6 and the Harrison ELKS Lodge on Highway 65 in Harrison.
The Red Cross is also reminding potential donors they can give blood after receiving a vaccine against influenza or COVID-19. To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go online to RedCrossBlood.org, or call toll-free at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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