Red Cross Urges Blood Donations As Spring Activities Impact Supply

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The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared to care for patients in need.

Officials say the combination of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and spring travel can disrupt regular donation routines, leading to a drop in available blood products. Even small changes in schedules can have a significant impact on the blood supply.

Donors of all blood types, including those giving for the first time, are urged to make an appointment in the coming days or weeks.

To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who give. Individuals who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who donate from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.

Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Blood Assurance Reports Critical Need For Type O Blood Donations In Northwest Georgia

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Blood Assurance says several days of heavy hospital usage have pushed its supply of O-positive and O-negative blood to critical levels, while platelet supplies are also nearing critical status.

The organization says there is an emergency need for donors as soon as possible, especially those with Type O blood.

The need comes as the region moves into severe weather season, a time when trauma cases can rise and put even more pressure on local blood supplies. Blood Assurance says rebuilding the supply quickly is especially important to help meet patient needs.

Blood Assurance is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, and it also supplies Cartersville Medical Center. Donations made at Blood Assurance donor centers and blood drives in Rome and Cartersville help support local patients across the area.

Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible, although walk-ins are also being accepted.

To schedule a donation, visit Blood Assurance online, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.

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As an added thank-you during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross says successful blood, platelet, or plasma donations made March 1 through March 31, 2026 will come with two incentives: free A1C testing (one result per calendar year) and a $15 Amazon gift card delivered by email.

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