American Red Cross experiences national blood crisis, in need of donors of all blood types

What This Story Is About

• The American Red Cross Kentucky Region continues to experience a national blood crisis.

Why It Matters

• While many have rolled up a sleeve to give, demand for blood from hospitals is still outpacing donations.
• When fewer donors are available to give, the impact on available lifesaving blood products can be significant - especially when the blood supply is already facing a four-year summer low.

What Happens Next

• The American Red Cross needs donors of all blood types.
• August appointments are critical to restoring blood supply in the late summer, officials said.
• Keep the momentum and help reverse the blood crisis, officials said. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The American Red Cross continues to urge donors of all blood types to act now and make an appointment to give blood or platelets amid the ongoing national blood crisis.

According to a media release, just three additional donors at every blood drive could help further stabilize the blood supply and ensure patients continue receiving lifesaving care.

Since issuing only the second blood crisis in Red Cross history in late July, thousands of generous donors have stepped up to help save lives, officials said. At the same time, the blood supply remains under severe pressure, just as many communities transition to back-to-school schedules and people enjoy final summer plans.

Those who are unable to donate can still make an impact by encouraging eligible friends, family members and colleagues to give blood, officials said.

“As a thank-you to all who come to give Aug.1-31, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email,” officials said.

For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August.

Upcoming Blood Drives:

Bluegrass Ingredients, 1117 Cleveland Ave., Glasgow, KY 42141

• Aug. 31 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bowling Community Park, 1608 Stockton St., Edmonton, KY 42129

• Aug. 12 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Campbellsville American Legion, 185 American Legion Road, Campbellsville, KY 42718

• Aug. 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Centre on Main, 425 S. Main Street, Leitchfield, KY 42754

• Aug. 21 from noon to 5 p.m.

Cleary Maintenance Facility, 1274 Center Point Road, Tompkinsville, KY 42167

• Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Immanuel Baptist Church, 104 Western Hills Drive, Glasgow, KY 42141

• Aug. 20 from noon to 5 p.m.

Monroe County Medical Center, 529 Capp Harlan Road, Tompkinsville, KY 42167

• Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SpanTech, 101 Hilltopper Way, Glasgow, KY 42141

• Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Springfield Baptist, 305 Lincoln Park Road, Springfield, KY 40069

• Aug. 10 from noon to 5 p.m.

State Farm, 200 Rogers Road, Glasgow, KY 42141

• Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Taylor County Fire Department, 1563 Greensburg Road, Campbellsville, KY 42718

• Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m.