North Iowa Blood Drives Scheduled in Forest City, Northwood as Red Cross Declares Rare National Crisis

FOREST CITY, Iowa — The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history, and North Iowa residents will have two chances in the coming weeks to help address the shortage, with blood drives scheduled in Forest City on Tuesday and in Northwood on Aug. 13.

Blood donations nationwide have fallen to a four-year summer low, according to the Red Cross, worsening an emergency shortage that was first declared earlier this month. The organization said all blood types are needed, but the shortage is most severe for type O blood. The Red Cross said it is now limiting distributions of type O blood products to hospitals, and the supply of type O positive blood has dropped below a one-day supply.

“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”

The Red Cross said extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illness have contributed to lower donor turnout across the country this summer.

Locally, a blood drive is set for 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the YMCA, 916 West I St. in Forest City. A second drive is scheduled for 1 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Worth County Fairgrounds Community Center, 1206 3rd Ave. N. in Northwood.

Additional drives in the region include a stop from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at Grandview Baptist Church, 3705 170th St., in Estherville.

The Red Cross is offering incentives to encourage donations. Those who give blood by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, worth up to $15 including fees. Donors who give between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.

Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).