American Red Cross has scheduled several blood drives in this area during July.
While the need for blood and platelets remains constant throughout the summer, the Red Cross experiences a drastic decline in new donors, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacation plans. Last summer, nearly one-third fewer new blood donors came out to give than during the rest of the year.
Blood and platelet donations often do not keep pace with hospital demand during the summer months.
Eligible donors of all blood types are needed to make a donation appointment now and help sustain a sufficient community blood supply.
*Donating blood is a relatively safe and easy process, and only takes about an hour.
*Scheduling an appointment is easy and fast through the Blood Donor App, online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Friday, July 7, noon - 6 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic School, Poplar Bluff
Tuesday, July 11, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, Poplar Bluff
Wednesday, July 12, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bernie Community Center, Bernie
Friday, July 14, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Bank of Advance, Advance
Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First General Baptist Church, Bloomfield
Monday, July 24, noon - 4 p.m., John J Pershing VA Medical Center, Poplar Bluff
Tuesday, July 25, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Van Buren Community Center, Van Buren
Friday, July 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff
Friday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Cedargate Nursing Home, Poplar Bluff