Red Cross urges blood donations as shortage looms

The Indiana Branch of the American Red Cross says it is close to a blood shortage this winter and that could mean disruptions to lifesaving care.

According to the agency, donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.

The Red Cross is partnering with the NFL for Blood Donation Month in January. Those who donate before January 25th will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl 60.

There are several upcoming chance to donate blood locally.

You can donate from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Mann’s Harley Davidson in Edinburgh or from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Saint Vincent Jennings Hospital.

The Commons in Columbus will be hosting a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 13th.

The Johnson County Public Library in Franklin will be hosting a donation site from to 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday and the Brown County YMCA will be hosting a blood drive from 11 to 3:30 on Friday.

Hope will be having a blood donation drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Hope Moravian Church on Jan. 19th.

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).