The American Red Cross, which supplies around 40% of the country’s blood, is facing a historically low supply. John Brimley, the regional communications manager of the Missouri and Arkansas branch, says the Red Cross has not seen this low of a supply in almost a decade.According to a Red Cross press release, new blood donors has dropped by 34% since last year, making it one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Missouri and Arkansas Red Cross region has experienced a 13.4% decrease in new donors.
To encourage participation, those who donate between Friday and Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt. The Red Cross is also looking into a Superbowl giveaway in the near future.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
Mountain Home
St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Tuesday from 1 – 6 p.m.
Alley-White American Legion Post 52, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harrison
Independent Living, Inc., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Methvin Sanitation, Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Salem
North Arkansas Family Clinic, Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Viola
Viola Public School District, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Marshall
Marshall High School, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor app. Walk-ins are also welcome.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI