Allen County Regional Hospital and the American Red Cross are urging people to donate blood Monday and Tuesday, citing a critical shortage of some types of blood.
The Red Cross is running so low on Group O blood and Rh-negative blood types that theyre supplying blood at 75 percent of typical levels, said Traci Plumlee, public relations director with ACRH. The hospital purchases all of its blood from the Red Cross.
Donors can help supply blood products to patients at our local hospital and help save lives right here in Allen County, or in areas of the greatest need, Plumlee said.
ACRH will have a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lynn Family Conference Room. Donors receive a free T-shirt.
Response to the coming blood drive has been slower than normal, perhaps because of the July 4 holiday, and many appointment times are available, Plumlee said.
You can make an appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org.Just type in your zip code. Donors can also call the hospital at (620) 365-1222 to make an appointment and walk-ins are also welcome.
