The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a chronic summer blood shortage.

In August, regular donors may delay giving as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. To fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, donations are urgently needed from new and current donors. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red cells can be donated every 112 days.

As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.

Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Volunteers needed

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit redcross.org/driver.

– article submitted by Maya Franklin

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Polk County

Columbus

8/24/2017: 2 – 6:30 p.m., Polk County American Red Cross Chapter, 231 Ward St.

Rutherford County

Forest City

8/22/2017: 12:30 – 5 p.m., Chili’s of Forest City, 128 Sparks Crossing

8/25/2017: 12 – 5:30 p.m., Forest City Fire Dept., 186 S. Church St.

8/26/2017: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Lifestyle Wellness and Spa, 247 Oak St.

Rutherfordton

8/29/2017: 2 – 6 p.m., Gilkey School Community Center, 217 Gilkey School

8/30/2017: 12 – 6 p.m., Rutherford Regional Medical Center, 288 South Ridgecrest Ave.