Emergency blood shortage – Redwood Falls still has donation openings available for Oct. 18-19

Right now, the American Red Cross has an emergency blood shortage. The Red Cross national blood inventory is the lowest it’s been at this time of year since 2015, with less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks. The Red Cross is working to meet the blood needs of hospitals and patients – but that means more people need to donate.

As it happens, there’s a blood drive already scheduled in Redwood Falls next Monday and Tuesday. Local organizers ask you to consider donating on Monday or Tuesday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the RACC. Heather Smith, local blood drive coordinator, stated Friday that the Red Cross bloodmobile visit to the Redwood Area Community Center on Monday and Tuesday of next week still has openings available.

Walk-ins are welcome but you may have to wait a while. If you want to insure a short wait time consider making an appointment. You can go to redcrossblood.org or contact Paulette Kosel, at 507-829-0383 to schedule an appointment.  If you have questions or concerns, contact blood drive coordinator Heather Smith, at 507-430-4695.