Give a little, gain a lot
The American Red Cross is urging donors — especially those with type O positive and B negative blood — to give before Aug. 28 to help stabilize the summer blood supply, with several last-chance drives scheduled across Northeast Ohio.
Steve Debenport/Metro Creative Graphics
Red Cross urges blood donations as summer winds down
As summer ends and schedules shift, the American Red Cross is calling on eligible donors — especially those with type O positive or B negative blood — to make time to give blood. The need remains urgent as hospitals continue to face challenges maintaining a stable blood supply, particularly in the wake of summer travel, back-to-school preparations and a general decrease in routine appointments.
Blood donations tend to decline in late summer, yet the demand remains constant for trauma victims, cancer patients, people undergoing surgeries and those with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease. A single donation can help save more than one life — and consistent donations are crucial to ensure blood is available at a moment’s notice.
To encourage participation during National Wellness Month, the Red Cross is offering free A1C testing to all successful blood, platelet or plasma donors through August. The test measures blood sugar levels and can help detect prediabetes or diabetes. Results are delivered within one to two weeks. Donors who give by Aug. 28 will also receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Test.
“Donating blood is a simple, meaningful way to support patients in need across the community,” said Ryan Lang, regional communications manager for the Red Cross Northern Ohio Region. “Every donation can help save lives — and this month, donors can also learn more about their own health while making a difference for someone else.”
Stark County donation events
Several blood drives remain scheduled across Stark County, providing local residents with ample opportunities to donate.
In Canton, upcoming drives include The Auricle on Aug. 27 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and the One Center for Leadership on Aug. 29 (noon to 6 p.m.). Louisville residents can give blood at Paradise United Church of Christ on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In Massillon, donors can visit St. Paul Lutheran Church on Aug. 25 from noon to 6 p.m. Navarre will host a drive at Towpath Trail YMCA on Aug. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., while North Canton will welcome donors at the Church of Christ on Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Uniontown, Harmony Springs Christian Church will hold another drive on Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other area opportunities
In Holmes County, Grace Church Berlin will host a drive on Aug. 21. Medina County events include Lodi’s First Congregational Church on Aug. 25, and two locations in Brunswick on Aug. 27 and 28.
In Summit County, donors can give in Akron at Akron Children’s Hospital on Aug. 21, the East End Office Building on Aug. 27, and two locations on Aug. 28: the Harold K. Stubbs Municipal Building and the University of Akron Rec & Wellness Center.
Cuyahoga Falls will host drives at Journey Covenant Church on Aug. 23 and Western Reserve Hospital on Aug. 26. Additional drives are scheduled in Hudson, Macedonia, Twinsburg and other nearby cities.
Tuscarawas County residents can give in New Philadelphia on Aug. 22 or in Newcomerstown on Aug. 26. In Wayne County, donation opportunities include East Union Mennonite in Orrville and Parkview Christian Church in Wooster, both on Aug. 25.
Appointments can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. All blood types are needed, and first-time donors are welcome.
