American Red Cross holds blood drive in Bowling Green amid nationwide shortage

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – On Monday in Bowling Green, the American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Holiday Inn amid a nationwide blood shortage.

In the past month, the blood supply nationwide has dropped 35% as the Red Cross has declared a severe shortage.

Those in Bowling Green could donate to help combat the issue.

With rising flu cases and severe weather this winter, it has made it hard for people to come out and make their appointments to donate blood, leading to the current shortage.

The Red Cross is encouraging everyone to make their appointments in advance and try their best to donate as it is more important than ever.

“It’s cause for alarm. It’s cause for us to go out and ask people to give that gift of life to make that donation,” said Jennifer Capps, executive director at The American Red Cross of South Central Kentucky. “We never know when it’s going to be us or someone in our family that needs that blood donation. So this is just a great way, if you’re eligible and can help, to get involved.”

The Red Cross will be at Rich Pond Baptist Church Thursday, Jan. 22 from noon to 6 p.m. and back at The Holiday Inn Friday, Jan. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To find blood drives near you, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ or download the Red Cross Blood app.