Summer means blood shortages, especially in the summer of coronavirus.The blood supply is approaching a critical shortage. Disruptions to the blood supply caused by the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with the usual summer donation slow-down, has caused the shortage. The American Red Cross and the University of Alabama at Birmingham are holding a blood drive to boost blood donation at this important time of year.
The blood drive runs the week of June 8-12 at the Theodore Event Center, 3211 Second Ave. South, Birmingham. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Donors are asked to make an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor keyword “Theodore,” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.