BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors. For those who don’t know their blood type, making a donation is an easy way to find out this important personal health information. The Red Cross will notify new donors of their blood type soon after they give.

The Red Cross needs donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All who come to give throughout the month of August will get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31:

BANNOCK

Chubbuck

• 8/31/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., City of Chubbuck, 290 E. Linden

Pocatello

• 8/16/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Kinghorn Building, 1700 Kinghorn Road
• 8/17/2023: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 444 Hospital Way, Suite #300
• 8/17/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Butte Street Building, 2300 Butte
• 8/23/2023: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Idaho State University Library, 850 S. 9th St.
• 8/30/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pocatello Blood Donation Center, Pine Ridge Mall, 4155 Yellowstone Ave.

BEAR LAKE

Montpelier

• 8/23/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., South Stake Activity Center, 485 S. 7th

BINGHAM

Aberdeen

• 8/24/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Mennonite Church, 381 W. Washington

Blackfoot

• 8/18/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., LDS Rose Building, 403 N. 150 W.
• 8/21/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., American Legion Stewart Hoover Post #23, 436 N. Fisher St.
• 8/22/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Spudnik, 584 W. 100 N.
• 8/25/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Blackfoot Northwest Stake Center, 95 N. 740 W.

Shelley

• 8/31/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Shelley Fire Department, 585 West Fir St.

BONNEVILLE

Idaho Falls

• 8/17/2023: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Golds Gym, 2363 Eagle Drive
• 8/29/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Idaho Falls Stake Center, 1155 1st St.
• 8/30/2023: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., City of Idaho Falls, 680 Park Ave.

FREMONT

Island Park

• 8/31/2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ambulance Station, Library Road

JEFFERSON

Hamer

• 8/22/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2379 E. 2050 N.

Monteview

• 8/24/2023: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Monteview Ward Building, 2415 N. 800 E.

Rigby

• 8/22/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rigby South Stake Center, 106 N 3800 E.

MADISON

Rexburg

• 8/29/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Rexburg Idaho Married Student 1st Stake, 68 E. 7th S.

ONEIDA

Malad City

• 8/30/2023: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Oneida County Event Center, County Fairgrounds, 459 South Main St.

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!   

A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.

Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.