Summer is here, along with warmer weather and more fun activities that you can fit into three short months. But during the warm summer months, the American Red Cross sees a significant drop in blood donations.

According to Sue Thesenga, External Communications Manager for the American Red Cross " During June, July and August, there are about two fewer donors than needed at each Red Cross blood drive. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer." 100,000 donations less in the summer.  That is a huge seasonal decline.  Donations of all blood types are needed to make sure there is enough supply for those that need it.

Donating doesn't take very long, can make a huge impact for the recipient and there are a lot of opportunities right in our area. In addition to stopping into one of the upcoming blood drives listed below, you can get the Red Cross Blood Donor app, go online to redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule and appointment or learn more.

Upcoming blood drives:

  • 7/20/2015: 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM, American Legion Post 43, 112 5th St. NE – this is a Battle of the Badges Blood drive between Fire and Police departments
  • 7/24/2015: 11 AM - 4 PM, Rice County Fair, 1814 2nd Ave. NW
  • 7/25/2015: 12 PM - 6 PM, Rice County Fair, 1814 2nd Ave. NW
  • 7/27/2015 Northfield Area YMCA: 8 – 11 AM, 1501 Honeylocust Dr., Northfield
  • 8/5/2015 Eagles Club: 1 – 7 PM, 2027 W. Grant St.

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