Hurricane Ian did a number on the national blood supply a few weeks ago, and the American Red Cross Central Plains Division is responding with a lengthy list of blood drives this month and next.
Red Cross Account Manager Susan Faler says Ian wiped out both blood donation events and potential blood donation locations, so the need is now more urgent than it has been in some time. She says the Red Cross is shifting its operations to meet the need.
The Emporia Presbyterian Church West Campus is into a blood drive from 1-6 pm Monday and 8 am to 2 pm Tuesday, with Northern Heights High School hosting a drive Wednesday, the First Church of the Nazarene having a drive Thursday, Emporia High hosting a drive Oct. 27 and Burlington’s Saint Francis Xavier Church holding a drive Oct. 28.
All presenting donors at this month’s blood drives will get a $10 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice.
November’s schedule is full, with drives in Emporia, Olpe, Hartford and Cottonwood Falls already on the calendar. The list is online at KVOE.com.
Appointments are highly preferred. Residents can go online to www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS to set appointments.
