Emergency need for blood donors

NEW YORK — The Red Cross is holding blood drives throughout the region to get to a goal of 1,000 additional donations each day to meet current demand.
The shortage, they said in a statement, is due to an increased demand for blood. The Red Cross has been distributing about 12 percent more blood products to hospitals across the United States compared to this time last year.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O, which stands at just a one-day supply right now, the statement noted.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
To thank donors who help ensure a strong blood and platelet supply in August, all who come to give through Sunday, August 15 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2021 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Donors throughout August will also receive a free four-month subscription offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only).

The following are upcoming, local blood donation opportunities:
Thursday, August 5: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Villa Roma Resort Hotel, 356 Villa Roma Rd., Callicoon.
Friday, August 6: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 10 Jefferson St., Monticello.
Wednesday, August 11: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Church, 180 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro.