Red Cross declares national blood crisis as donations hit four-year summer low

The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for blood donors as supplies fall to critically low levels across the country.

The organization says blood donations have dropped to a four-year summer low, leading it to declare only the second national blood crisis in its history. All blood types are needed, but the shortage is especially serious for type O blood. The supply of O-positive blood has fallen below one day, forcing the Red Cross to limit how much it distributes to hospitals.

The shortage comes despite an emergency appeal earlier this month, when the Red Cross reported that its blood supply had dropped nearly 25% during June. Extreme heat, poor air quality, summer travel and widespread illness have all contributed to fewer people showing up to donate.

“If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound,” Red Cross Senior Vice President of Donor Services Paul Sullivan said.

Numerous blood drives are planned throughout Medina County over the coming weeks. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or through the American Red Cross blood-drive locator.

Upcoming Medina County blood drives

Brunswick:

• July 30, noon–6 p.m. — Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road
• Aug. 6, 2:30–7:30 p.m. — Saint Ambrose Church, 929 Pearl Road
• Aug. 8, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. — St. Mark Church, 1330 N. Carpenter Street
• Aug. 10, noon–6 p.m. — Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road
• Aug. 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. — Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road
• Aug. 19, 1–6 p.m. — Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center Brunswick, 3574 Center Road
• Aug. 26, noon–6 p.m. — Comfort Suites Brunswick, 1464 Town Center Boulevard
• Aug. 27, noon–6 p.m. — Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road

Homerville

• Aug. 13, 2–7 p.m. — Homerville Grace Brethren Church, 8992 Firestone Road

Lodi

• Aug. 24, 1–6 p.m. — First Congregational Church, 114 Church Street

Medina

• July 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Root Candles, 640 W. Liberty Street
• Aug. 7, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. — Medina Hospital, 1000 E. Washington Street
• Aug. 14, 1–6 p.m. — Medina United Methodist Church, 4747 Foote Road
• Aug. 17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. — Medina Fire Station 1, 300 W. Reagan Parkway
• Aug. 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Medina Community Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road
• Aug. 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Root Candles, 640 W. Liberty Street

Seville

• July 27, noon–6 p.m. — Seville United Methodist Church, 74 W. Main Street

Wadsworth

• Aug. 11, noon–6 p.m. — Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Road
• Aug. 12, noon–5 p.m. — Wadsworth YMCA, 623 School Drive
• Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. — The Chapel Wadsworth Campus, 1391 State Road

Those who donate through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie-ticket reward by email, worth up to $15. Donors who give during August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email, according to the Red Cross.

Appointments and eligibility information are available at RedCrossBlood.org. Drive information may change, so donors should confirm the time and availability while scheduling.