Red Cross Experiencing Severe Blood Shortage

Calling all blood donors in the Yakima Valley.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise - and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types - especially type O and those giving platelets - are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.
Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants.
In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.

Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As more than a third of Americans have become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for blood, platelet and plasma donations. Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination. The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase as the nation continues to journey out of this pandemic.

7/1/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cheese Sandwich Day, 302 S 2nd Street

7/2/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Harman Center, 101 North 65th Avenue

7/12/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Cheese Sandwich Day, 302 S 2nd Street

7/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., West Valley Fire Department, 10000 Zier Rd.