The Red Cross is putting out the alert as they have issued an emergency blood shortage—meaning it’s time to roll up that sleeve and donate if you can.
The American Red Cross says the shortage stems from the dangerous levels of heat the bulk of the nation has been facing recently, and as many people travel before the school year gets underway. The heat also resulted in the cancelling of numerous blood drives, which only exacerbated the low blood supply issue. At the moment, blood supplies are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
Type O-positive and type O-negative are most in need—inventory is so low in those blood types that distribution of the vital resource are reduced to below what hospitals count on.
There will blood donation opportunities this month in Christian County, with one set for Thursday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Fort Campbell Commissary, then on August 21 at Byrd Health Clinic from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and then at Blanchfield Army Hospital from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on August 28. The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center is also always accepting donations at their location on South Viriginia Street in Hopkinsville.
Donors must be at least 17 years old—16-year-olds can give with parental permission—weigh at least 115 pounds and wait 56 days between donations.
Medications must be checked with staff before donating. All donors must show a photo ID and are advised to eat well before and after giving.