Marion County donors needed to protect Red Cross blood supply

As World Blood Donor Day approaches June 14, the American Red Cross stresses blood and platelet donors are neededto combat a drastic shortfall in donations. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets.

Record-breaking summer travel and severe weather conditions are expected to persist all season long, which may prevent donors from being able to give. When fewer people donate, less blood is available for hospital patients. Make a blood or platelet donation a priority this summer.

Here are the scheduled blood drives in Marion County:

• Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., The Alber Red Cross Center, 1849 Summerset Drive, Marion
• June 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., The Alber Red Cross Center, 1849 Summerset Drive, Marion
• June 22, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Battle Run Fire District, 209 Battle St., Prospect

Book a time by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come to give through June 30 will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood for details.