Red Cross calls for donors

This summer has swept the nation with severe weather. In an already challenging season for blood donation collection, the American Red Cross has called for blood and platelet donors to help them maintain a steady supply for patients in need.

“In addition to summer fun and holidays, severe summer weather can have a sudden impact on the ability to collect blood and platelets,” said Red Cross representative Jennifer Warren in a press release on Monday. “Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions.

While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross emphasized a particular need for type O. 

O positive blood is the most common blood type in the population, while O negative is known as the “universal blood type” because it can be transfused to anyone regardless of blood type. As a result, type O is consistently in high demand by hospitals.

Those who donate by July 14 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses while supplies last. Donors can customize their shades with an included blood type sticker.

Those who donate between July 15–31 will receive a Fandango Movie Reward by email, which they can use to catch a summer blockbuster on the Red Cross. 

There are six blood drives scheduled across Marathon County for July:

July 10: YMCA Aspirus Branch, 3402 Howland Ave., Weston, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

July 15: Mosinee Brewing Company, 401 4th St., Mosinee, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

July 16: Thrive Church. 400 Grand Ave., Wausau, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

July 17: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Rd., Wausau, 1–6 p.m.

July 24: Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 County Rd. NN, Wausau, 12–5 p.m.

July 25: Woodson YMCA, 707 N 3rd St., Wausau, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Donors who don’t know their blood types are welcome to schedule appointments and can learn them after donation.To book an appointment or for more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.