According to the American Red Cross, about 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, but only about 3% actually do.
The Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood and platelets this August to prevent supply from falling to shortage levels. According to a news release on Aug. 10, the Red Cross stated platelet donors are especially needed at this time.
Donors this August receive a $10 e-gift card to their merchant of choice as thanks and will be entered in a drawing for a chance to be one of three people to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets or plasma, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming local blood donation opportunities:
Aug. 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. with Countryside Eagles 4286, at 29354 state Highway H in Lincoln.
Aug. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1701 W. 32nd St. in Sedalia.
Aug. 17 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, on South Osage Avenue in Tipton.
Aug. 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 209 W. Broadway Blvd. in Sedalia.
Aug. 24 from 1 to 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 207 N. Owen St. in California.
Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Social Services, 505 N. Ridgeview Drive Suite A in Warrensburg.
Aug. 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 31687 Highway 83 in Warsaw.
Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Missouri Valley College Malcolm Center, 500 E. College St. in Marshall.
