Blood donors urgently needed during critical shortage

For only the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. According to the American Red Cross website, the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June, and blood donations are at a four-year summer low.

While donations of all blood types are needed, type O blood is especially in demand. Type O negative is the “universal donor” blood type, which can be given to patients of any blood type, making it the most common type used when the patient’s blood type is unknown.

Upcoming blood drives include:

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at Advocate Condell Centre Club Gurnee, 1405 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee.

• Noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Club Five Health Libertyville, 1163 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Valley Lo Club, 2200 Tanglewood Drive, Glenview.

Anyone who donates blood through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). In addition, type O donors will receive a $20 e-gift card.

According to the Red Cross, donors can give whole blood every 56 days, up to six times a year. Donors must be in good health and feeling well, and must be 17 years old (16 with parental consent) and at least 110 pounds.

For more details or to book an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.