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Make a Difference: Red Cross urges blood donations to help those in need

As fall approaches, the American Red Cross is urgently calling for blood donations to address a critical shortage affecting patients nationwide.
With Debby making landfall, the Red Cross anticipates more blood drives to be canceled because of flooding and power outages.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As fall approaches, the American Red Cross is stressing the urgent need for blood and platelets to maintain a stable supply. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, and first-time donors are needed.

According to the American Red Cross, only 3 out of every 100 Americans donate blood, which means every donation is critical. The blood supply remains at critical levels, impacting patients who rely on transfusions, including car accident victims and individuals with sickle cell disease.

To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives. Those who donate by September 30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. From October 1-31, donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and will be entered to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For more information, visit here. 

Upcoming Donation Opportunities (Sept. 23 - Oct. 15)

Huntsville Blood Donation Center

  • Sept. 23: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
  • Sept. 24: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
  • Sept. 27: 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  • Sept. 28: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • Sept. 29: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • Sept. 30: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
  • Oct. 1: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
  • Additional dates throughout October.

Athens, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

  • Oct. 8: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tuscumbia, Helen Keller Public Library

  • Oct. 4: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

How to Donate

To make an appointment, visit the American Red Cross website, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Donors must bring a blood donor card or driver’s license and meet age and health requirements. Most states allow individuals 17 years old to donate (16 with parental consent).

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