Volunteers, blood donors needed

Many weather experts predict a destructive disaster season this year. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground in the face of a busy disaster season and blood donors to roll up a sleeve to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.
“We’re preparing for another extremely busy disaster season, and it’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide relief at a moment’s notice,” said Katie Webster, Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands across the west. And experts are predicting we could see 10 or more hurricanes in the upcoming weeks.”
Wildfires, record-breaking heat and a busy hurricane season can also impact the nation’s blood supply. On top of the toll extreme weather events take on the lives of millions, disasters can cause blood drive closures or prevent donors from being able to give safely. Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities:
Aug. 25 - Lake Benton: 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Community and Event Center, 114 S. Center St.
Aug. 25 - Marshall: Noon-7 p.m. at Red Baron Arena and Expo, 1651 Victory Drive
Aug. 26 - Ivanhoe: 1-7 p.m. at Bethany Elim Lutheran Church, 102 S. Highway 5
Aug. 26 - Marshall: 1-6 p.m. at Lyon County Library, 201 C. St.