The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Readers have three opportunities in upcoming weeks to donate at Newtown blood drives.

Events are planned on Thursday, January 25, 12-5 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street; Friday, January 26, 9:30 am-2:30 pm, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street; and Friday, February 2, 11 am-4 pm, again at Newtown Congregational Church.

Appointments are available through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40 percent. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations — such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone — can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion.

Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products — among the most transfused blood types — to hospitals.

Dr Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, says small changes in blood donor turnout “can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion.

“More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation,” Dr Gehrie added. “Donors of all types — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are urged to give now.”

The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this month, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who donate blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.