Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July. Still, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.

Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email (restrictions apply).

Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give now using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in our area July 26-Aug. 15:

Fairfax

8/1/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/2/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/3/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/3/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, 12099 Government Center Pkwy

8/4/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/5/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/6/2018: 1:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/7/2018: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/8/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/9/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/10/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/10/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway

8/11/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/12/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/13/2018: 1:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/14/2018: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

8/15/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

Springfield

8/6/2018: 2 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Springfield United Methodist Church, 7047 Old Keene Mill Road

8/14/2018: 1:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.