JONESBORO, Ark. (Nov 13, 2018) - The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Area blood drives through 12/15/18:

Greene County

Paragould

• 11/16/18:  1pm-5pm, Synergy Health & Fitness, 3501 Carriage Hills Drive Suite B
• 11/20/18:  3pm-7pm, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, 900 West Kingshighway
• 11/23/18:  2pm-6pm, Walmart, 2802 West Kingshighway
• 11/27/18:  11:30am-3:30pm, Crowley's Ridge College, 100 College Drive
• 11/28/18:  11am-3pm, Black River Technical College, 1 Black River Drive
• 12/6/18:  11am-4pm, Paragould Light Water and Cable, 1901 Jones Road
  
• 12/13/18:  11am-5:30pm, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, 900 West Kingshighway

Craighead County

Jonesboro

• 11/15/18:  7am-10am, City Water & Light, 105 West Johnson
• 11/15/18:  12pm-6pm, NYIT/ASTATE Armory, 1921 Aggie Road
• 11/29/18:  1pm-5pm, WOLFLife Campus Ministry Arkansas State University, 2304 Shelton Street
• 12/4/18:  10am-2pm, Centennial Bank, 2901 East Highland
• 12/11/18:  10am-2pm, Continental Utility Solutions Inc - CUSI, 300 Church Street #200
• Visit RedCross.org to set up an appointment at the Jonesboro Blood Donation Center or to see their operating hours for walk-ins

Clay County

Corning

• 11/21/18:  12pm-4pm, First National Bank, 612 North Missouri
• 12/12/18:  9am-2pm, Corning High School, 500 Bobcat Lane

Randolph County

Pocahontas

• 12/9/18:  9am-2pm, St Paul Catholic School, 311 Cedar Street
• 12/11/18:  1pm-5pm, Five Rivers Medical Center, 2801 Medical Center Drive

 Jackson County

Newport

• 11/14/18:  12pm-4pm, Arkansas State University, 7648 Victory Boulevard

Tuckerman

• 12/4/18:  9am-1pm, Tuckerman High School, 300 North Dowell

Sharp County

Ash Flat

• 12/4/18:  1pm-5pm, Eaglecrest Nursing & Rehab Center, 916 Hwy 62/412

Cave City

• 12/6/18:  9am-2pm, Cave City High School, 711 North Main

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.