Officials report blood supply for this time of year is lower than it has been for more than a decade

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ST. GEORGE — The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors across the country to “harness their humanity” going into the holiday season by giving blood in the coming weeks.

According to a press release from the Red Cross, as a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the organization is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply for this time of year in more than a decade. The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases significantly challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall.

The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year − one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Utah and Nevada Region of the American Red Cross has experienced a 22.7% decrease in new blood donors this year.

The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting the Red Cross website or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

As a thank you to those who donate, all those who come to give blood through Dec. 16 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the new film “The Matrix Resurrections.” Plus, donors through Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email, courtesy of Amazon.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Southern Utah from Nov. 29 – Dec. 16

St. George

  • 11/30/2021: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/1/2021: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/3/2021: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. George Chamber of Commerce, 136 N. 100 East
  • 12/3/2021: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/6/2021: noon to 6 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/8/2021: 1-7 p.m., St. George Washington Fields North Stake, 1867 South Washington Fields Road
  • 12/10/2021: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/10/2021: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 850 S. Bluff
  • 12/14/2021: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/15/2021: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • 12/16/2021: 2-7 p.m., Boulder Ridge Utah Stake – 2450 Bldg., 2079 E. 2450 South

Hurricane

  • 12/9/2021: 1:30-7 p.m., Hurricane Utah North Stake, 272 S. 700 West
  • 12/10/2021: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hurricane High School, 345 W. 100 South

Cedar City

  • 11/29/2021: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., SWATC, 757 S. 800 W.
  • 12/6/2021: 1-6:30 p.m., Christ the King Catholic Church, 690 South Cove Drive

Enoch

  • 12/7/2021: 1:30-7 p.m., Enoch Stake Center, 2233 E. Village Green Road

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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