PEORIA, Ill. (July 1, 2013) – Whether someone is among the 39 percent of the U.S. population with type O positive blood or the 2 percent with B negative, the American Red Cross is looking for eligible donors of all types to give blood this summer to help avert a shortage.
Those with O negative, A negative and B negative are especially urged to donate, as their blood types are often in high demand because they can potentially be transfused to both Rh negative and positive patients. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.
Vacations, activities and holidays contribute to a decrease in donations during the summer, but patients don't get a break from needing blood. Visit the Summer of Stories campaign website, redcrossblood.org/summer, to make an appointment to donate, then share why you give blood and watch videos about people whose lives have been touched by donors.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Clinton County
July 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clinton Ericksen Center, 1401 - 11th Ave. North in Clinton, Iowa
July 29 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Elvira Zion Lutheran Church, 2207 380th Ave. in Clinton, Iowa
Henry County
July 23 from 1-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 214 NW Second Ave. in Galva, Ill.
July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Mercer County
July 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
July 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aledo Genesis Medical Center, 409 NW Ninth Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
July 27 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Sherrard Fire House, 101 E. First St. in Sherrard, Ill.
Muscatine County
July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at U.S. Bank, 1800 Park Ave. in Muscatine, Iowa
Scott County
July 29 from 12-4 p.m. at Bettendorf Courtyard by Marriott, 895 Golden Valley Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa
The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™
