Donors Needed To Help Maintain Summer Blood Supply

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The Red Cross urges eligible blood donors to give now and help prevent summer blood shortages

OMAHA, Neb. (July 21, 2008) – Over the next few weeks the Red Cross will be expanding hours at some blood donation centers and providing added donation opportunities in the Omaha Metro so eligible donors can give blood more easily and help prevent shortages this summer.

While local blood inventories are presently stable, they must be maintained during the traditional summer slowdown so patients have the blood they need. The Red Cross also anticipates other areas of the country will soon face serious blood shortages and must stand ready to help avert shortfalls.

“It is important that eligible blood donors find the time to donate blood during the summer months,” said Dr. Ram Reddy, Interim CEO, Midwest Region Blood Services. “It only takes about an hour and the pint of blood you give is lifesaving. The need for blood never takes a vacation.”

The Red Cross invites newly eligible 16-year-olds to make an appointment to give blood soon. Bring a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form and two forms of identification. To download a consent form go to givebloodgivelife.org; click your map region or enter zip code; click Donors on the left side of the screen; click Can I Donate? and click Download Consent Form under the first bullet.

Expanded Hours through July 31st
West Omaha Blood Donation Center, 729 N. 132nd St, Omaha
• 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
• 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
• 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday
• 6:20 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday

East Omaha Blood Donation Center, 3838 Dewey Ave, Omaha
• 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
• 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
• 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday

Kearney Blood Donation Center, 101 West 31st St, Kearney
• 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
• 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday

Grand Island Blood Donation Center, 404 East 3rd St, Grand Island
• 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
• 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday

North Platte Blood Donation Center, 1111 South Cottonwood, North Platte
• 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday
• 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 16-years-old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

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