Vital need

COLUMBIA BASIN – The American Red Cross announced in a press release July 10 that they are urging people to donate blood this summer to help avoid a significant shortage that may result from recent drops in donations.

“The American Red Cross is sending blood donations to hospitals faster than they are coming in. We need more donors to give in July to help avoid a blood shortage that could impact patient care at hospitals across the country,” said the Red Cross’s Northwest Region Communications Director Betsy Robertson in the release.

The press release stated that in the last two months, the Red Cross has had nearly 50,000 fewer donations than needed. To encourage more donations, the organization is partnering with Warner Brothers Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week to provide prizes and sweepstake entries for donors. According to the release, from July 12 to August 12 donors will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City with a private shark dive adventure. From July 17 to July 31, donors will receive an official Shark Week t-shirt.

Currently, there is one blood drive scheduled in July or August that is located in Grant or Adams counties, according to the Red Cross’s website. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1200 E. Rainier St. in Othello, will host a blood drive on August 3.

Despite the lack of Red Cross blood drives in the Columbia Basin, there are many options in neighboring counties and larger cities, including the Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Spokane and Yakima.

“We know a lot of people travel this time of year. Wherever they're headed, they can try to plan ahead and schedule a donation at their destination,” said Robertson in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald.

Requirements for donating blood to the Red Cross, according to the organization’s website, include weighing at least 110 pounds, being in generally good health and being at least 17 years of age in most states (or 16 with parental consent). The press release also noted that a blood donor card, a driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required to check in to a drive.

There are also opportunities besides the Red Cross for those interested in donating blood in Grant County in the near future. According to their website, Vitalant has 15 blood drives scheduled in Moses Lake through the end of August. Visit vitalant.org to schedule an appointment.

To find Red Cross donation sites outside of Grant or Adams Counties or to schedule an appointment, the press release provided several options. Potential donors can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Amazon Alexa Echo device.

“We are also always looking for blood drive hosts who have space and a community of people they'd like to recruit for donations,” said Robertson. “It looks like Grant and Adams County would be great candidates for that option in the future.”

More information on eligibility requirements for donating to or hosting a blood drive can be found at redcrossblood.org.

Gabriel Davis may be reached at gdavis@columbiabasinherald.com. Download the Columbia Basin Herald app on iOS and Android.