As July 4th nears and more individuals are traveling for festivities, the number of accidents tend to increase. In response, the American Red Cross is urging people to help prepare in a very important way - through blood donation, especially if you’re type O negative.
“Type O Negative blood is the most often reached for during emergencies when there isn’t time to match a patient’s blood type,” said Jen Warren, the Regional Communications Director for the American Red Cross, Wisconsin Region, “but type O positive is the most common blood type, so it’s important to keep O blood on hand at hospitals for people who are facing chronic illnesses and sudden life threatening conditions like from a car accident.”
Despite the emergent need, Warren says the Red Cross sees a drop in donations around the holidays, too, because people are busy. You can make a difference by donating, and the process itself only takes about 10 minutes. Donors complete a brief health history screening, the donation takes place, and then they sit in the recovery area to snack on cookies and juice.
Those interested in donating can schedule an appointment at a local donation center, here. During the month of July, there are also multiple drives being hosted right here in Door County.
Egg Harbor:
- 7/17 (9 a.m.-2 p.m) Northern Door Community, 7845 Church Street
Sister Bay:
- 7/9 (11 a.m.-4 p.m) First Baptist Church, 2622 S. Bayshore Drive
Sturgeon Bay:
- 7/1 (9:30 a.m-2:30 p.m) Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 229 North 14th Avenue
- 7/9 (10:30 a.m.-4 p.m) Bay View Lutheran Church, 340 W. Maple Street
- 7/11 (9 a.m. - 2 p.m) Hope United Church of Christ, 141 S. 12th Avenue
- 7/18 (11:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m) YMCA Sturgeon Bay Program Center, 1900 Michigan Street
