Red Cross declares blood supply emergency, seeks donors

The Indiana region of the American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage and is asking you to donate if you can.

According to the Red Cross, there has been a steep drop off in blood donations since late May creating a gap between the need and the available supply of blood products. Officials say that Red Cross distributions to hospitals are running nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected.

If you donate between now and July 31st, you will receive a Fandango movie ticket gift up to $15 in value by email.

There are several opportunities to donate coming up in our area including:

• Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saint Vincent Jennings Hospital on Henry Street in North Vernon.
• Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Brown County YMCA on Willow Street in Nashville
• July 20th from 1 to 6 p.m. at Hope Moravian Church
• July 21st from 1 to 6 at New Hope Christian Church on County Road 400N in Columbus,

You can schedule an appointment to give through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).