American Red Cross experiencing emergency blood shortage

(WKBN) — The American Red Cross announced it’s currently experiencing an emergency blood shortage.

Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, according to a news release. They say that seasonal obstacles like heat, travel and summer activities have significantly contributed to the more than 17,000 blood donation shortfall.

Blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, in a news release. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those who donate blood, platelets or plasma through the end of the month will get a $20 Amazon gift card.

Area donation spots and times include:

Columbiana County

East Liverpool

• 8/6: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Peter Metrovich Community Center, 15442 Pugh Road

East Palestine

• 8/29: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Church of Christ, 20 W. Martin Street

Salem

• 8/5: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Elks Lodge 305, 824 E. State St
• 8/9: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Salem Community Center, 1098 N. Ellsworth Avenue

Mahoning County

Austintown

• 8/10: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Rd
• 8/20: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Rd
• 8/29: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Rd

Boardman

• 8/7: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Valley Christian Church, 7155 Glenwood Ave
• 8/10: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Boardman Public Library, 7680 Glenwood Avenue
• 8/19: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Boardman Public Library, 7680 Glenwood Avenue
• 8/26: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Rd

Poland

• 8/13: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Poland Library, 311 S. Main Street

Youngstown

• 8/7: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Angela Merici Parish-Youngstown, 397 S. Jackson St.
• 8/8: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital Boardman, 8401 Market Street
• 8/12: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Christine Parish, 3165 Schenley Avenue
• 8/13: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Believers Church-Boardman, 1322 W. Western Reserve Road
• 8/15: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Rd
• 8/22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, 1044 Belmont Avenue
• 8/23: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., YMCA, 17 N. Champion St

Trumbull County

Brookfield

• 8/7: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Brookfield Fire Department, 774 OH-7

Cortland

• 8/10: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Rd
• 8/14: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cortland United Methodist Church, 155 N. High Street
• 8/17: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cortland Masonic Lodge, 3263 Everett Hull Rd.

Hubbard

• 8/21: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Patricks Catholic Church, 367 N. Main St

Newton Falls

• 8/20: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Braceville United Methodist Church, 589 Park Rd. SW

Niles

• 8/27: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Niles Wellness Center, 213 Sharkey Drive

Warren

• 8/5: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Howland Community Church, 198 Niles-Cortland Rd.
• 8/6: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Champion Presbyterian Church, 4997 Mahoning Ave. NW
• 8/13: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., St Demetrios Community Center, 3223 Atlantic St.
• 8/16: 9:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lordstown Administration Building, 1455 Salt Springs Road
• 8/20: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Avalon Golf and Country Club -The Grand Resort, 9519 E Market St

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