Red Cross: Blood supply facing stress, donors needed

VermontBiz A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead.

World Blood Donor Day, gifts for donors

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven't given in a while, or who have never given before.

New Hampshire blood donor Elizabeth O’Brien has been rolling up her sleeve for years after learning her O negative blood type was universally accepted by all patients.

"It could be a baby needing blood or someone in a car accident – people all around the nation could use that blood and my blood could go to all of them. It feels empowering to know you can make a difference in any one of those people's lives," she said.

Elizabeth lost her own mother to cancer, but credits blood donation with extending and improving her mother's quality of life during her battle with the disease.

"She was only 53 years old. So every single minute that got extended, we were grateful to have. That's what I think about when I’m giving blood. I don't care if it's a minute, an hour, a day, a year, that blood that goes to extend time with a loved one is precious," she concluded.

In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Help the Red Cross celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 8-30:

Addison County

Bristol

6/17/2023: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Bristol Federated Church, 37 North Street

Middlebury

6/13/2023: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Co-operative Insurance, 292 Colonial Drive

6/21/2023: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Middlebury EMS Building, 55 Collins Dr

6/30/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Middlebury Parks & Recreation, 154 Creek Road

Vergennes

6/24/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Victory Baptist Church, 862 US-7

Bennington County

Arlington

6/20/2023: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Arlington American Legion Post 69, 54 Legion Rd

Bennington

6/9/2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bennington VFW Post 1332, 127 North St.

6/29/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Moose Lodge of Bennington, 916 Main Street

Manchester Center

6/14/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Zion Episcopal Church, 5167 Main Street

6/23/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Zion Episcopal Church, 5167 Main Street

Caledonia County

Saint Johnsbury

6/17/2023: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Catamount Arts, 115 Eastern Ave

Chittenden

Burlington

6/14/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Greater Burlington YMCA, 298 College St.

Charlotte

6/8/2023: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road

Colchester

6/21/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., United Church of Colchester, 900 Main St.

Essex

6/24/2023: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Essex Experience, 21 Essex Way, Suite #221

Essex Junction

6/29/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl St.

Milton

6/29/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cornerstone Community Church, 26 Bombardier Rd.

Franklin County

Enosburg Falls

6/8/2023: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Enosburg American Legion, 108 Depot Street

Saint Albans

6/12/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., 14th Star Brewing Company, 133 North Main Street

Swanton

6/28/2023: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., VFW Swanton, 8 Merchants Row

Lamoille County

Jeffersonville

6/8/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Smugglers' Notch Resort, Route 108 South

Morrisville

6/16/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Lamoille County Civic Center, 24 Upper Main St

6/30/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., VFW, 28 Pleasant Street

Orange County

Randolph

6/15/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 43 Hebard Hill Rd

Orleans County

Newport

6/14/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., United Church of Newport, 63 Third Street

Rutland County

Bomoseen

6/22/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Castleton American Legion, 378 Route 4a West

Brandon

6/19/2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Brandon American Legion, 550 Franklin Street

Fair Haven

6/26/2023: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., American Legion Post #49, 72 S. Main Street

Killington

6/22/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Killington Grand Resort Hotel, 228 East Mountain Road

West Rutland

6/20/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., West Rutland Town Hall, 35 Marble Street

Washington County

Barre

6/20/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Barre Auditorium-off cycle, 16 Auditorium Hill

6/28/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Barre Elks Lodge, 10 Jefferson Street

Berlin

6/9/2023: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Central Vermont Medical Center, 130 Fisher Road

6/27/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Central Vermont Medical Center, 130 Fisher Road

Montpelier

6/10/2023: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St

6/15/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bethany United Church of Christ, 115 Main Street

6/27/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Montpelier City Hall, 39 Main Street

6/28/2023: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., National Life, 1 National Life Drive

Waitsfield

6/30/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Masonic Lodge of Mad River #77, 4376 Main Street

Waterbury

6/10/2023: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Waterbury Municipal Building, 28 North Main Street

6/13/2023: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., American Legion, 16 Stowe St

Windham County

Bellows Falls

6/15/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., United Church of Bellows Falls, 8 School Street

Brattleboro

6/24/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Winston Prouty Center - Thomas Hall, 209 Austine Drive

Putney

6/21/2023: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill

Windsor County

Bethel

6/16/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Bethel White Church, 129 Church Street

Springfield

6/14/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Springfield Elks, 49 Park Street

White River Junction

6/28/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Riverbank Church, 259 Holiday Drive

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteerNNE.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.