Red Cross Says Blood Shortage Is Severe; Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego County Blood Drives

When was the last time you donated blood or platelets? If you can't remember, or have never donated, NOW is the time since the need is "severe" according to the American Red Cross. In fact, officials say that The Red Cross is experiencing the lowest blood donor turnout of 2021. What that means is that hospital demand for blood supplies is greater than the donations coming in right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge impact on blood banks, with donations way down and supplies are critically low so donors are needed to come roll up their sleeves at a blood drive near them and donate the gift of life now, especially those with type O blood, which is the universal blood type. With that said, ALL types of blood are needed.

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Just to give you a sense of the demand across the country...the Red Cross says that more than a thousand blood donations are needed on a daily basis to prevent further delays in inpatient care with the demand high at hospital emergency rooms, but also with organ transplants and elective surgeries.

According to Oneblood.org, each blood donation has the potential of saving up to 3 lives! There's no greater gift to give than the gift of life!

Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets online at www.redcrossblood.org, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

If you are wondering if those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate, you should know that in most cases, the answer is "yes". However, it is important to know the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine you received, which will determine your eligibility to donate.

Below are some upcoming blood drives this month...

Chenango County Blood Drives

Bainbridge
11/8/21:  8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Bainbridge Guilford High School, 18 Juliand St

Norwich
10/5/21:  12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m., Guernsey Memorial Library, 3 Court Street
10/22/21:  11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Broad Street Methodist Church, 74 North Broad  St.
11/2/21:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Norwich VFW Post 2782, 61-63 East Main Street

South New Berlin
10/26/21:  noon - 5 p.m., South New Berlin Fire Department, 3519 State Highway 8

Delhi
10/7/21:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Delhi Alliance Church, 16178 NY 28
11/11/21:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Delhi Alliance Church, 16178 NY 28
12/9/21:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Delhi Alliance Church, 16178 NY 28

Otsego County Blood Drives

Laurens
11/2/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Laurens Fire Department, 34 Main St.

Oneonta
10/22/21: noon - 5 p.m., Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main St.
10/29/2021: noon - 6 p.m., Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St.
11/6/21: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main St.
11/10/21:  11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fox Care Center, 1 Fox Care Drive

Wells Bridge
10/28/21:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wells Bridge Fire Department, 104 County Highway 4