The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donations!

The American Red Cross is in desperate need of donations. They need all blood types as soon as possible. Keep reading to find out more about upcoming donation drives in Birmingham.

The American Red Cross is looking for all the help that they can get to keep up with the demands of hospitals’ need for blood. They are looking for Type O blood; however, they are accepting any and all blood types to try to reach demands. There is a need of about 1,000 donations per day!

Why this matters

Bham Now’s own Nathan Watson covered why donations to the American Red Cross are so important. In that article, the talked about how Khris Anderson was able to survive cancer with blood that was donated. You can check that article out here.

Types of donations needed

First you have your typical blood donations. Blood donations are the most common type of donation. It takes approximately a pint of blood. There are no restrictions on the blood type to do a normal blood donation. This type of donation typically takes about an hour to complete.

In addition, the American Red Cross also needs “power red” donations. This donation type collects the red blood cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. Platelets can only be collected from people with A negative, B negative or type O blood.

“We are in need of as much blood as we can get to keep up with the demands of hospitals. There has been about a 40 percent increase in the amount of blood needed for transfusions, transplants, trauma and more.”

Annette Rowland, Communications Director or American Red Cross Alabama and Mississippi Region

So you’re looking for your chance to donate? Look no further as there are 3 major donations happening soon in the Birmingham area listed below:

1. Finley Center

The American Red Cross will be conducting a donation at Finley Center in Hoover. The details are listed below:

• Location: 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244
• Time and Date: July 19, 7am-2pm

2. Regions Field

The Birmingham Barons are hosting a blood drive as well at Regions Field. People that donate will receive two tickets to a Barons game in addition to a t-shirt (pictured above), a $10 Amazon gift card and will be entered for the chance to win free fuel for 1 year!

The details of this blood drive are listed below:

• Location: 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Time and Dates: July 20-21, 11am-6pm

3. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

• Location: 2 Xavier Circle, Birmingham, AL 35213
• Time and Date: July 22, 10am-3pm

Need more info?

For more information on how the American Red Cross provides life-saving help, be sure to visit their website.

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