The American Red Cross and Discovery are partnering for Shark Week and invite people to dive in to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in July.
The Red Cross saw a steep drop in blood and platelet donations last month, and donors are asked to make appointments now to prevent a blood shortage this summer.
In June, the Red Cross collected approximately 12 percent fewer blood donations than needed–one of the largest monthly blood donation shortfalls in recent years.
In the northern Ohio region, nearly 2,000 fewer donations were made than expected.
When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply shrinks–and that could mean blood products aren’t ready for hospital staff to reach for in emergencies.
Thanks to Discovery, all who come to give blood or platelets in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exclusive Shark Week merchandise package that includes a beach bike, smokeless portable fire pit, paddle board, kayak and a $500 gift card to put toward accessories.
Those who participate in a blood drive from July 21 to 24 will receive an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last.
Details are available at rcblood.org/sharkweek.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
•July 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the American Legion Riders, 5580 Centennial Road, Sylvania
•July 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at McLaren St. Luke’s, 5901 Monclova Road, Maumee
Appointments also can be scheduled to donate blood at the Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Toledo. Hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood .org or call 1-800-733-2767.
