Linn County Blood Drives

The American Red Cross continues to experience a
national blood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather
events across the country have further complicated efforts to rebuild the nation’s blood
supply. Those in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment to give now.
Weather in recent weeks has added to the summer shortfall in donations by forcing the
cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives throughout the country, many of which were caused by
Debby, causing approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected. Annually,
severe weather − such as blizzards, tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes − impacts about 90,000
blood donations made to the Red Cross. In Missouri, 527 blood drives have been canceled
due to weather over the last 10 years, including 37 so far this year. Because blood has a
short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to
collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for hospitals and patients.
First-time donors and those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery. To
make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit
RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). In thanks, all who come to
give through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See
RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details. Those who come to give Sept. 1-15 will receive an
exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 1-15: