Local Blood Drives Slated as Supplies Run Critically Low

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.

Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and right now, type O inventory is so low, that distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on. Since July 1, the Red Cross-national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%.

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 high.

“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.”

How you can help

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.

Here’s a list of current and upcoming blood drive location in Corvallis:

8/7/2024: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Health Services Building, 530 NW 27th St

8/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Natural Grocers, 1235 NW 10th St

8/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Corvallis Clinic Corvallis- Aumann Building, 444 NW Elks Dr

8/16/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave

Also, if you can’t make it to a blood drive, 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.