Emergency Blood Shortage Persists Over Holiday Season

As many prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and look ahead to a busy holiday season, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors across the country to harness their humanity by giving blood in the coming weeks.

As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases significantly challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34 percent drop in new blood donors from last year − one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Idaho and Montana Red Cross Region has experienced a 12 percent decrease in new blood donors this year.

Don’t wait. Humanity needs you to help patients enjoy all the holiday season has to offer. Make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, all those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the epic new film “The Matrix Resurrections.” Plus, those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.

Those who share the warmth and make a blood donation part of their Thanksgiving plans Nov. 24-28 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross holiday socks, while supplies last.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.

Upcoming opportunities:

Townsend: 11/26/2021: 11:30AM - 4:30PM. American Legion Post 42, 211 Broadway

Bozeman: 12/2/2021: 10AM - 4:15PM, Montana State University Student Union Building, MSU-SUB

12/7/2021: 10AM - 4PM, Air Force ROTC at Center for Campus Ministry, 714 S. 8th Ave.

12/8/2021: 12:30PM - 5:30PM, Montana State University Pi Kappa Alpha House, 1321 S. 5th Ave.

12/10/2021: 10AM - 3PM, Ressler Motors, 8476 Huffine Ln

Three Forks: 12/9/2021: 12PM - 6:30PM, Christian Center, 301 1st Ave. W.

Boulder: 12/16/2021: 11:30AM - 5:30PM, Assembly of God, Life Church, 502 N. Jackson St.

Livingston: 11/23/2021: 12:30PM - 6:30PM, American Legion Post 23, 112 N. B. St.