Critical blood shortage: Red Cross urges blood, platelet donors to give now
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Monday, July 25, 2016 — While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure 
blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Nelson County include:
Saturday, July 30, 2016, 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nelson County Courthouse, 200 Plaza Drive, Bardstown, KY 40004
Sunday, July 31, 2016, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. River View Baptist Church, 1850 Louisville Road, Coxs Creek, KY 40013
Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. St. Gregory Catholic Church, 330 Samuels Loop, Coxs Creek, KY 40013
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, noon – 5 p.m. American Legion Hall, 206 W. Broadway St., Bardstown, KY 40004
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