Give Blood During National Preparedness Month, Here’s How in Corvallis

Why is The Advocate running another freaking story about local blood donation opportunities – singularly, it’s because summer blood supplies have been critically low this year and we think our readers are the kind of folks that tend to be especially helpful. We promise, we’re not vampires

For September, the American Red Cross stresses the continuing critical need for blood products to ensure patient care. Donors of all blood types are asked to give now to keep blood supply levels rising after a summer shortage. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed.

As National Preparedness Month continues, the Red Cross is highlighting the importance of having a strong supply of blood products already on hand for disasters and emergencies of all kinds and to meet the needs of patients every day. A steady increase in lifesaving blood products is vital to ensuring hospitals stay ready.

Make an appointment, donate at a blood drive

Now is the time to book an appointment and help patients counting on lifesaving transfusions. To schedule a time to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Here’s a list of upcoming local blood drives:

• Monday, Sept. 16, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Umpqua Bank Corvallis, 415 NW 3rd Street
• Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, at Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 NW 35th Street
• Wednesday, Sept 18, from 12 pm to 5 pm, at Bi-Mart Store, 2045 NW 9th Street
• Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10 am to 3:30 pm, at Grace Lutheran Church, 435 NW 21st
• Friday, Sept. 20, from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, at Burgerville, 2300 NW 9th Street
• Monday, Sept. 23, from 1 pm to 6 pm, at Corvallis Elks Lodge #1413, 1400 NW 9th Street
• Tuesday, Sept. 24, from  9 am to 2 pm, at Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street
• Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 9 am to 2 pm, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 501 NW 25th Street
• Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 12 pm to 5 pm, at Market of Choice Corvallis, 922 NW Circle Blvd.
• Friday, Sept. 27, from 9 am to 2 pm, at First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Avenue
• Saturday, Sept 28, from 9 am to 2 pm, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2650 NW Highland Drive

In thanks, those who come to give before Sept. 15, 2024, donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last.

All who come to give Sept. 16-30, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.