Blood drives coming up in 3 local communities

American Red Cross blood drives are scheduled in Barron, Cameron and Rice Lake.

In Barron, Barron Electric Cooperative, at 1434 Highway 25, hosts a blood drive on June 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Barron High School, at 1050 Woodland Ave., is the host site of a blood drive on July 8 from noon to 6 p.m.

In Cameron, St. Peters Catholic Church, at 1618 20th St., hosts a blood drive June 17 from noon to 6 p.m.

In Rice Lake, Red Cedar Church, at 1701 W. Allen St., hosts a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27, and Rice Lake Elks Lodge 1441, at 36 E. Eau Claire St., is the site of a blood drive on July 11 from noon to 6 p.m.

As World Blood Donor Day approaches on June 14, the American Red Cross stresses that blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to combat a drastic shortfall in donations over the last several weeks. 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. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply, and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven’t given in a while, or who have never given before. Those who come to give June 10-30, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. To make an appointment or for more details, see RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood for details.