The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. The Wheeling Nailers have answered the call to action, teaming up with the Red Cross to help save lives with the annual Wheeling Nailers Blood Drive. This lifesaving event is happening Monday, July 12 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now.
The Red Cross is working around the clock to provide blood products to hospitals responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.
In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout. The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break − patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.
Wheeling Nailers Blood Drive
July 12, 2021 11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church
905 National Rd., Wheeling, WV 26003
As a thank-you, donors who come to give will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). (Terms and conditions apply; visit rcblood.org/fuel).
Donors are needed now to prevent further delays to patient care. Schedule an appointment to give blood now 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.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
