American Red Cross in desperate need of blood donations

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The American Red Cross is asking for the community’s help. The organization is experiencing a severe blood shortage. 

This shortage comes as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise. 

They urge anyone who can donate to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care. You can visit their website here to make an appointment. 

The Nashville Predators are teaming up with the Red Cross to host a blood drive Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 am to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University Plaza. 

Jennifer Capps, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of South Central Kentucky, said they are in desperate need of O positive and O negative blood, but again that any blood type is needed. 

“We feel like you know we’re seeing folks traveling, and getting back to their regular summer activities post-pandemic or whatever the correct term is, and it’s really just impacted the blood supply because they’re not making the blood donations. So we want to encourage the community to come out and give. It’s important to see the blood on the shelf we’re in a severe shortage right now,” said Capps. 

People who donate at one of the Predators drives will receive a Predators foam hockey puck. Also anyone who donates blood before June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card.