The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region has announced an initiative to encourage blood donations. Donors who give blood from August 1 to 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card and free A1C testing, which screens for prediabetes and diabetes, with each successful donation.
According to the American Red Cross, there is an urgent need for immediate blood and platelet donations to stabilize the national supply. Type O donors are particularly crucial in supporting hospitals through August. To incentivize early participation, those who donate by July 31 will receive a Fandango Movie Reward via email. The organization emphasizes that a consistent supply is essential, as sudden drops in donations can impact treatment for trauma patients, cancer patients, and new mothers.
In Knox County, several blood drives have been scheduled. On July 22, donations can be made at Crossroads Church in Fredericktown from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., and at Gay Street United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon from 1 to 6 p.m. Additional locations in Mount Vernon include Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Knox Community Hospital on July 24, The Glenn A. Gallagher Centre on July 30, and the Grand Hotel on July 31. Martinsburg will host a drive on August 6, while Apple Valley in Howard will hold one on August 7. Brookdale Assisted Living in Mount Vernon will also accept donors on August 6.
In Licking County, Newark offers ongoing opportunities at its donation center on North 21st Street nearly every day from July 22 through August 7. Other Newark locations include Licking Memorial Hospital on July 25, City of Newark Fire Department on July 30, and TrueCore Federal Credit Union on August 1. Granville hosts drives on July 23 at Owens Corning, July 28 at Bryn Du Mansion, and July 29 at Centenary United Methodist Church. Pataskala will have drives on July 22 at the Police Department and July 25 at the YMCA.
The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region serves nearly six million people across Ohio's counties as well as parts of Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. It provides disaster relief services, emergency preparedness training, mental health support, and supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. The region operates five chapter locations and six blood donation centers with volunteers comprising approximately 90% of its workforce.
