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Despite repeated attempts to lure more donors over the past several months, the American Red Cross reports it had even fewer donors give -- making the national blood supply dangerously low and reducing distributions of some blood types to hospitals.
"Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas," the Red Cross reports.
With such an urgent need, the Red Cross continues to look for ways to entice donors. Through Oct. 20, donors can get a $20 gift card via email for giving blood.
Those who are willing to give might also want to consider the rest of the Red Cross's mission and become a volunteer. As we've seen in recent months, the need for blood never wanes.
"The Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of ... disasters," it says.
Locally, donors have several options to give by Oct. 20.
• Thursday, Oct. 12 -- 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 p.m. at Froehlich's Classic Corner, 501 Washington St., Steubenville
• Friday, Oct. 13 -- from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3536 Eoff St., Wheeling
• Monday, Oct. 16 -- from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Road, Wheeling
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 -- from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru, 3569 National Road, Wheeling
• Friday, Oct. 20 -- from noon to 5 p.m., Chester American Legion, 404 Carolina Ave., Chester
Those who are eligible can no longer ignore the need. Approximately 30,000 people did that last month, and yet the situation is beyond critical. Roll up your sleeves and get to it.