Red Cross faces critical shortage, urges blood donations

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood and platelet shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs.

Donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors are urged to make appointments to give now and in the weeks ahead.  Blood donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of the year, and the national blood inventory is at its lowest for this time of year since 2015, with less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks.

In Henrico, blood drives will be available Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Richmond Volleyball Club (2921 Byrdhill Road), and Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Dominion Club (6000 Dominion Club Drive).

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church (11220 Nuckols Rd.) also will hold a blood drive Oct. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Innsbrook Blood Donation Center at 4040 Cox Road will be open Oct. 6 from 11:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Oct. 7 from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Oct. 8-10 from 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; Oct. 11 and 13 from 11:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Oct. 14 from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; and Oct. 15 from 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Oct. 15.

Richmond Raceway will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross Oct. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Commonwealth Building on the site, 600 East Laburnum Avenue. All donors will receive a free Zaxby’s signature sandwich coupon by email.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions  – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

For a complete list of area blood drives, and details of eligibility, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).