The American Red Cross is partnering with Sacred Heart Catholic School today to collect blood after the announcement of a blood shortage.
The event will be held from noon until 6 p.m. in the gym. Those donating will receive a St. Louis Cardinals T-shirt while supplies last and be entered to win a pair of tickets to a game.
The American Red Cross issued an emergency need on Tuesday for all eligible individuals to donate. The emergency need came after the Independence Day week where 450 fewer blood drives were held than during a typical week, according to the Red Cross. Blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
“Blood transfusions are one of the most common hospital procedures and blood donors play a critical role in ensuring there are enough products on the shelves to help patients in need,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer for the American Red Cross, in the release. “Each day, kids battling cancer, accident victims being raced to the emergency room and mothers experiencing complicated childbirths rely on lifesaving blood. We need the public’s help today to ensure we have enough blood to meet these dire needs.”
While all blood types can be used, type O negative and positive are particularly useful, according to the Red Cross. Type O negative blood is a universal blood type that can be used for any patient, particularly when there’s not enough time to determine the patient’s blood type. Meanwhile, Type O positive is the most common blood type that can be used for any patient with positive blood typings.
Appointments for the blood drive can be made at RedCrossBlood.org by entering RiverRadio.