Red Cross announced "urgent need" for donors to help keep blood supply stable

The American Red Cross is encouraging people to act now and book a time to give blood. Donors of all blood types are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give ─ an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross has experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks. 

In addition to many end-of-school year activities, travel and school breaks, June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season ─ a reminder that severe weather can also quickly disrupt the ability to donate in affected areas and potentially delay or cancel blood drives. 

To give blood locally, schedule a donation from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 700 4th Ave. S.E. in Ronan. Vsit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you for those who step up to give, donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.