In the face of a severe blood shortage, the American Red Cross is sounding the alarm as the nation witnesses the lowest blood donation numbers in two decades. The Red Cross blood supply has plummeted to critically low levels nationwide, prompting a fervent appeal for blood donors to schedule appointments and help mitigate the shortage, ensuring the continuation of vital medical procedures.

Over the past 20 years, the number of individuals contributing blood to the Red Cross has seen a concerning decline of approximately 40%. With fewer donors, even minor disruptions, such as the recent shortfall of nearly 7,000 units between Christmas and New Year's Day alone, can significantly impact the availability of blood products, leading to dire consequences for those in urgent need of emergency blood transfusions. Currently, blood products are being distributed to hospitals at a faster rate than donations are being received, prompting recent restrictions on the distribution of type O blood products, one of the most frequently transfused blood types.

“One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blood bank without any blood on the shelves. Doctors often can’t operate without blood available to make surgeries, medical procedures and treatments possible,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”

To expedite the donation process, individuals are encouraged to download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) 733-2767 to make an appointment without delay.

As part of the effort to boost blood donations during National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross has joined forces with the National Football League (NFL) this January. Donors in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Further details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

In Baldwin County, blood donation opportunities are available from Jan. 10 to 24, and individuals are urged to participate in the endeavor to replenish the dwindling blood supply. See the list below for a date, time and location near you.

Blood Donation Opportunities in Baldwin County

Daphne:

• Date: January 10, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Location: Dewberry Engineering, 25353 Friendship Rd

• Date: January 16, 2024
• Time: Noon - 4 p.m.
• Location: YMCA of South Alabama, 27080 Pollard Rd

Foley:

• Date: January 17, 2024
• Time: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Foley Community St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 400 N Alston St

Gulf Shores:

• Date: January 11, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Location: Coastal Alabama Community College-Gulf Shores, 3301 Gulf Shores Pkwy

• Date: January 22, 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Location: Gulf Shores Middle School, 450 East 15th Avenue

• Date: January 24, 2024
• Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location: Peace Lutheran Church, 8250 Roscoe Rd

Orange Beach:

• Date: January 18, 2024
• Time: Noon - 4 p.m.
• Location: Orange Beach United Methodist Church, 28571 Canal Rd

• Date: January 19, 2024
• Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location: City Hall, 4099 Orange Beach Blvd