MANSFIELD — The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% after sharply declining in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need.
All those who come to give through May 31 will receive a special Red Cross T-shirt by mail, while supplies last. And thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.*
“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Wendy Yarbrough, Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop. We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer.”
It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.
Blood drive safety precautions
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming Blood Drives
RICHLAND COUNTY
Mansfield on May 27: 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall.
Lexington on May 28: noon to 6 p.m., Resurrection Parish, 2600 Lexington Ave.
Butler on May 29: 3 to 9 p.m., Community Building, 21555 Pealer Mill Rd.
Mansfield on June 2: noon to 5 p.m., Berean Baptist, 2145 Middle Bellville Road.
Mansfield on June 3: 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall.
Bellville on June 9: noon to 6 p.m., Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 48 Church Street
Mansfield on June 10: 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall
Mansfield on June 13: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1951 Middle-Bellville Road
CRAWFORD COUNTY
Bucyrus on June 2: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Amvets Post 27 – Bucyrus, 235 East Galen Street.
Galion on June 9: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way North.
Crestline on June 12: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Crestline Church of the Nazarene, 500 East Main Street.
New Washington on June 15: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 110 South Kibler St.
MORROW COUNTY
Iberia on June 4: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., Washington Twp Trustee Building, 3612 Cemetery Rd.
Marengo on June 5: noon to 6 p.m., Marengo United Methodist Church, 8 N. Main Street.
Cardington on June 6: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cardington First United Methodist Church, 300 South Marion Street.
