The _meric_n Red Cr_ss needs _l_ _d d_n_rs to bring back the missing A’s, B’s and O’s. A few missing letters may not seem like a big deal in a sentence, but for patients who need A, B, O and AB blood types, these missing letters mean life. The Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give now to help prevent delays in medical care this summer.
Six years ago, doctors told Jacqueline Rogers' family that there wasn’t enough type O negative blood available to perform her open-heart surgery. This news that her surgery was postponed was scary for Jacqueline, just 8 at the time, who was born with a congenital heart disorder. “No blood means no surgery. I thought I was going to die.” Fortunately, blood donors stepped up, and Jacqueline’s surgery was successfully completed a week later.
To draw attention that blood types sometimes do go missing from hospital shelves, A’s, B’s and O’s began disappearing on June 11 from iconic brand logos, social media pages, signs and websites as part of the Missing Types campaign. The campaign is raising awareness of the need for more blood donors.
While thousands of blood donors have answered the call to fill the Missing Types, more donors are needed now to help ensure patients don’t have to wait for blood products. During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. The Red Cross is thanking all those who come to donate July 1-6 with an exclusive Red Cross Missing Types T-shirt, while supplies last.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 24-July 15:
Bond County
Greenville
7/11/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., VFW Post 1377, 2043 South 4th Street
Clinton County
Aviston
7/8/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Legion Hall, 601 South Clinton Street
Breese
7/10/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 480 North Walnut
New Baden
7/15/2019: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Market Center, 450 West Hanover
Macoupin County
Mount Olive
7/11/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., VFW Hall, 21294 Rt 138
Staunton
7/5/2019: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Community Hospital of Staunton, 400 Caldwell
7/10/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., St Paul United Church of Christ, 225 S. Laurel St.
Madison County
Edwardsville
7/12/2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Heyl Royster, 105 W. Vandalia Street
Godfrey
7/10/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Alton Wood River Sportsmens Club, 3109 Godfrey Rd.
Highland
7/15/2019: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Korte Recreation Center, 1 Nagel Dr.
Maryville
7/12/2019: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Liberty Village Maryville, 6955 Illinois 162
Montgomery County
Witt
7/9/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Witt Lions Club, 600 West Broadway
