Type O blood, platelet donors urgently sought, Red Cross says

Metro Wire Staff

Portage County — As World Blood Donor Day approaches on June 14, the American Red Cross is urgently calling for blood and platelet donors to address a critical shortage in the blood supply. Donors of all blood types are needed, with a particular emphasis on type O blood and platelet donors.

The summer season, marked by record-breaking travel and severe weather, is expected to exacerbate the donation shortfall. The Red Cross is urging potential donors to make blood or platelet donations a priority this summer. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14, aims to raise awareness about the importance of a safe, diverse, and stable blood supply and to honor volunteer blood donors. This day is an opportune moment for those who have never donated or have not donated recently to contribute.

To incentivize donations, those who donate blood or platelets from June 10 to June 30, 2024, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities (June 10-30)

Forest County

• Armstrong Creek: June 27, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Armstrong Creek Community Center, 7860 Old 101 Rd

Langlade County

• Antigo: July 8, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saints Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church, 819 3rd Ave

Lincoln County

• Tomahawk: July 9, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 108 W Somo Ave

Marathon County

• Mosinee: June 21, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St John Lutheran Church, 901 Eleventh St
• Wausau:
  • June 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., NorthStar Restoration Services, 4900 Stewart Ave
  • July 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., First Universalist Unitarian Church, 504 Grant St
• Weston: July 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., YMCA Aspirus Branch, 3402 Howland Ave

Oneida County

• Rhinelander:
  • June 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Cabaret Cove, 1540 Pueblo Drive
  • June 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pine Grove Community Church, 1360 N Stevens St
• Three Lakes: July 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Reiter Center, 1858 S Michigan

Portage County

• Amherst: June 17, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 293 S Main St
• Plover:
  • June 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Oso Brewing Company, 1800 Plover Rd
  • July 1, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2000 Roosevelt Dr
• Stevens Point:
  • June 10, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St
  • June 11, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St
  • June 13, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St
  • June 14, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St
  • Additional dates: June 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12

Vilas County

• Eagle River: June 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., VFW, 418 West Pine St

Wood County

• Wisconsin Rapids:
  • June 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., South Wood County YMCA, 601 West Grand Ave
  • June 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lincoln High School, 1801 16th St S
  • June 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., McMillan Library, 490 E Grand Ave
  • July 8, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 1531 Whitrock Ave

How to Donate Blood

To donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Donors must bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification. Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states), weighing at least 110 pounds, and being in good health. High school students and other donors under 18 must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Save time by completing the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online via RapidPass® at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or through the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, and comfort to disaster victims, supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches lifesaving skills, delivers international humanitarian aid, and supports military members and their families. The organization relies on volunteers and public generosity to fulfill its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or follow the Red Cross on social media.