2023 trends: Red Cross responds to growing disaster-driven humanitarian needs

Posted on November 28, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Donate on GivingTuesday or give blood during the holidays to help for future crises

Randy Liang and Monica Bunner, volunteers from Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley responded to wildfires in Hawaii

In 2023, extreme disasters took a devastating toll on people in the U.S. who turned to the American Red Cross for help coping with a record number of billion-dollar disasters.

So far this year, an all-time high of 25 separate billion-dollar disasters ravaged communities across the country, and more than 170 disaster workers from the Northern Ohio Region responded. They deployed to help people affected by extreme weather disasters such as:
 January tornadoes in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi
 Flooding caused by an atmospheric river in California in March
 April flooding in Florida
 Tornadoes in Missouri and Arkansas in April
 Typhoon Mawar in Guam in May
 Catastrophic flooding in Vermont in July
 Southern California flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Hillary in August
 Wildfires fueled by prolonged drought conditions in Hawaii in August
 Hurricane Idalia in Florida in August
 Hurricane Lee in New England in September

Red Cross volunteer Jeff Mann of Heartland, Stark and Muskingum Lakes deployed to Guam in response to Typhoon Mawar in May

Volunteers from Northern Ohio also responded to disasters in our own communities, including:
 The train derailment and chemical burn in East Palestine in February
 The largest shelter operation in Northern Ohio since 2004 following an apartment fire in East Cleveland
 August flooding in several north central Ohio counties
 Multi-family fires in Akron, Uhrichsville, and Maumee

Robert Gee, a resident of East Palestine, stayed in a Red Cross shelter after a train derailment there in February

In addition, families sweltered in the nation’s hottest summer on record. And back-to-back disasters led to a series of blood drive cancellations, which further strained the national Red Cross blood supply that was already dwindling from summer travel and back-to-school activities.

“Increasing extreme disasters are causing more humanitarian needs for families in Northern Ohio and across the country,” Mike Parks, Regional CEO of the Red Cross of Northern Ohio, said. “This holiday season, please remember those who need support in the face of emergencies — and join us to provide care and comfort by making a financial donation or by giving blood or platelets.”

Help on GivingTuesday and during the holidays by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets. Individuals can also register for volunteer opportunities.

Volunteers from Northeast Ohio helped feed and shelter more than 130 residents for six nights after fire forced them to flee their apartment building in East Cleveland

RESPONDING TO ADDITIONAL EMERGING NEEDS Beyond extreme disasters, people stepped up through the Red Cross to address other emerging needs for communities, including:
 BLOOD DONATIONS: As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is grateful for the millions of donors who rolled up a sleeve throughout the year for patients in need. To further improve people’s health outcomes, the Red Cross has been working with community partners to introduce blood donation to a new and more diverse generation of blood donors — which is critical to ensuring that a reliable blood supply is available to the 1 in 7 hospital patients who need a lifesaving blood transfusion.
 LIFESAVING TRAINING: This year, the Red Cross expanded its training to empower people to act during current-day crises — which is vital considering that nearly half of U.S. adults report being unprepared to respond to a medical emergency. This included launching the new “Until Help Arrives” online training course last spring for opioid overdoses, severe bleeding, cardiac arrest and choking emergencies, and partnering with professional sports leagues through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition to help prevent tragedies among student athletes by offering CPR training and increasing access to AEDs.
 MILITARY FAMILIES: Red Cross workers helped service members on U.S. military installations and deployment sites worldwide — including in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. As part of our support this year, Red Cross volunteers delivered emergency communications messages connecting more than 87,000 service members with their loved ones during times of family need, while also engaging members in morale and wellness activities during deployments.
 INTERNATIONAL: As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross supported international response efforts to disasters such as this year’s massive earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, the drought and hunger crisis in Africa, and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh. This has included providing millions in cash assistance, food, shelter, basic supplies, medical care and mental health services. As devastating conflicts persist in other areas of the world, the global Red Cross Movement continues to provide aid for people suffering, including those in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza, as part of its neutral, humanitarian mission.

Visit https://www.redcross.org/local/ohio/northern-ohio/ways-to-donate/local-giving.html for more information about how the Red Cross helped people throughout the Northern Ohio Region in 2023.

About Our Regional Holiday Supporters:
The Red Cross is grateful for corporate partners who contribute to our Holiday Campaign. They include Westfield. Thanks to their generosity and that of other supporters, the Red Cross is able to bring help and hope to people in need.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Michigan woman loses battle with ALM

Posted on November 16, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

Editor’s Note: Jennifer Koerber passed away 16 days after this story was posted. We mourn her loss, and hope her story of strength and resilience inspires others to donate blood.

Jennifer Koerber first knew something was wrong last year when she would catch her son’s colds and it would take a long time to recover. Then, the Monroe County, Michigan woman began having severe fatigue, pale lips and gums, a rapid heart rate, and she would even pass out sometimes. She discovered what she was experiencing were the symptoms of aplastic anemia, a condition where not enough red blood cells are being produced by the body for it to function normally. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen to the organs and other parts of the body. She required a blood transfusion to bring her hemoglobin levels back to a normal level during her first hospital stay.

Jennifer Koerber – from Facebook, with permission.

It took many more months of visiting different doctors and hospitals before she finally got her diagnosis, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). AML is a type of leukemia that affects blood cell production in the bone marrow. Large numbers of abnormal cells called myeloblasts are created in the bone marrow, which in turn crowd out red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells that are normally found in the bloodstream. This leads to an array of symptoms, including a weakened immune system, anemia, bruising, shortness of breath, weakness and bleeding.

During her treatment over the past year and a half, Jennifer was reliant on blood transfusions to replace the missing blood components that her body can no longer efficiently make.

“I do rely on the American Red Cross,” Jennifer said while receiving treatment. “I am transfusion dependent, meaning I cannot live without receiving blood.”

Due to chemotherapy and the nature of AML, Jennifer relied on infusions of packed red blood cells and platelets to keep her blood levels in check.

Jennifer encouraged people to donate blood.

“I really urge people to know that it’s not just about donating money … you could simply donate blood to save a life, and it’s free,” Jennifer said. “Also, there’s a misconception about where the help goes, because there are multiple things the Red Cross does to help people, not just in disasters. They help local people who are transfusion dependent for blood.”

Schedule an appointment or find a local blood drive near you by visiting redcrossblood.org or by downloading the Red Cross blood donor app.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross Volunteer

Cleveland Clinic blood drive hits milestone

Posted on November 6, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

3,000 donations made since 2019

Hundreds of Cleveland Clinic employees pass through the lower-level atrium in the Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute every day. Institute Communications Manager Gary Weiland saw the space as an ideal place to hold American Red Cross blood drives. The first one was held in April of 2019.

Dr. Zaher Otrock and Sheri Bova of Cleveland Clinic,, Jill Trupo and Bonnie Flenner of the Red Cross, and, Gary Weiland of Cleveland Clinic

Less than a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Many businesses and schools that had been used regularly for blood drives before the pandemic were shuttered, severely reducing the number of blood drives – and the number of blood donations – causing a nationwide blood shortage.

But Cleveland Clinic did not – COULD not – close, and with a robust health care workforce passing through the atrium every day, there was plenty of opportunity to collect much-needed blood in that space.

“At first it was quarterly,” Gary said of the blood drives being held there. “But when COVID hit, we began to schedule them every two weeks.”

“We can’t overemphasize the value of having Cleveland Clinic as a site for frequent blood drives,” said Bonnie Flenner, Regional Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “We are so grateful for their partnership, especially during the pandemic. It has truly made a difference in the lives of so many patients.”

Since that first blood drive in 2019, more than 3,000 donations of blood have been collected, a milestone recently celebrated when Cleveland Clinic research coordinator Brandon Blake became the donor from whom the 3,000th donation was collected.

Brandon Blake, Cleveland Clinic Research Coordinator made the 3,000th donation

“I was shocked,” Brandon said upon learning of the milestone. “It’s like a baseball player getting his 3,000th hit. It’s pretty special.”

Brandon said he donates blood because it makes a difference. Dr. Zaher Otrock, head of Transfusion Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, couldn’t agree more.

“People with cancer and so many other conditions could not be treated without the blood they need to have every day,” he said.

The Red Cross collections staff working at the blood drive that day included Shacriea Bost, Kary Conley, Makayla Williams, Devyn Mills and Alexis Bell. They posed for a photo, surrounding a sign created to mark the milestone event.

Red Cross phlebotomists Alexis Bell and Kary Conley

And donors that day got a special treat – beyond the cookies, snacks and juice boxes that are typically available following a blood donation. They were offered a piece of cake as well, also created to help celebrate the 3,000 th donation made at that blood drive site.

Companies, churches, civic groups and others interested in hosting a blood drive – or multiple blood drives – can learn more by visiting redcrossblood.org.

See more photos from the 3000th blood donation here.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross volunteer and board member

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Reasons to give – in the words of Red Cross blood donors

Posted on December 19, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Everyday people across the Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross go to neighborhood drives to give blood. Several drives are scheduled this week. Throughout the year, many donors share their reasons for donating, and explain why others should consider donating blood. The stories they share are inspiring, touching and sometimes, their reasoning is simple.

We wanted to share just a few of the reasons why our blood donors made their first donation, and continue to give blood.

As we wrap up 2022 and look forward to 2023, consider adding “donate blood” on your New Year’s Resolution list. Or if you have donated in the past, put it on your to-do list for next year. Whatever your motivation, whatever your reason, we hope you share it with your family, friends, colleagues and if you feel so inclined, please share why you donate with us. Your stories and those of the individuals who receive blood continue to inspire the Red Cross every day.

For more information on donating blood, and to find an upcoming blood drive near you, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.

Learning by example: How will you celebrate National Parents’ Day?

Posted on July 22, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross Volunteer

National Parents’ Day (July 24, 2022) isn’t one of the most recognizable holidays in the United States, but it has been celebrated since 1994. That’s when President Clinton signed a congressional resolution to “recognize, uplift and support the role of parents in the rearing of children.” It’s been held annually on the fourth Sunday of July ever since.

Really?

Having been a proud parent for 55 years, would you like to know how many times we’ve been wished “Happy Parents’ Day?” Me too. I don’t think ever.

So, maybe Parents’ Day is a day to wish each other congratulations for everything you’ve done well over the years. I can get into that.

A bit of background

Growing up as an only child, I had only one perspective on my parents’ parenting skills. Conversely, my wife was one of 11, and grew up with an entirely different set of experiences. Fortunately, being the second oldest in her family, she learned all the skills I never did about taking charge of and caring for youngsters. That bode well for our children, and I credit her for keeping our family on the straight and narrow.

When we were expecting our first child, I took Parenting 101 at Cuyahoga Community College, and the only thing I recall but did try to live by was that “children learn by example.”

Jim Henson, of Muppets fame, probably said it better: “The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”

Did it work?

Having been a blood donor for years now, as our children got older, they were aware of my blood donations, and as they entered college, a majority donated as well. At a recent boy’s night out with my boys and grandsons, I polled the table and was delighted to find out that most of my grandchildren, 17 and over, are donors as well. As their younger siblings become of age to donate, I’d expect the trend to continue.

Siblings Greg and Sarah Whitkoski recently donated blood together at Lakewood High School.

Hopefully, you are a donor (but if not, now’s not too late to start.) Next time you donate, consider coaxing your teen to come along. They can donate in many states at 16 with parental consent, assuming they meet certain height and weight restrictions. Learn more here about special student guidelines.

Even if they don’t come along, make them aware of why donating is important to you. I didn’t realize its impact on my family until years later. Happily, I didn’t have to tell them to do it – they just grew up doing what I did. That’s thanks enough for Parents’ Day.

And I can’t think of a better tradition for Parents’ Day than giving blood regularly. Start here by finding a blood drive close to you.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Blood donations: Who benefits?

Posted on February 23, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

We’ve all seen the American Red Cross logo at one time or another in our lives. Many of us have seen it promoting a local blood donation drive being held that day as we drove down the road. We all know that blood is needed for us to live–but we may not always think of how many different individuals rely on blood donations, until we or someone we know needs it. In fact, in Northern Ohio the Red Cross provides blood for patients in more than 70 local hospitals in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown and Toledo.

Platelet donors Al Whitney of Avon Lake and Vinton Smith of Gettysburg, PA

Who are some of the people who rely on blood donations? Below are just a few:

Cancer Patients

Cancer patients may need blood transfusions to implement platelets back into the body after treatments such as chemo or radiation therapy. Certain cancers can also affect a patient’s ability to produce their own platelets.

Trauma Patients

When a patient comes into an emergency department with a trauma injury and there’s no time to check the patient’s blood type, emergency providers use type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma. O negative blood cells and AB plasma can be transfused into any patient, regardless of blood type. However, less than 7 percent of the population has type O negative blood, and only about 4 percent have type AB Blood. A constant flow of blood donors who have these blood types are critical to keep up with hospital demand, and to help emergency providers save lives.

Glinda Dames-Fincher, of Mayfield Heights has lived with sickle cell disease for more than 60 years and receives regular red cell exchanges as part of her treatment.

Sickle Cell Patients

Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States, and causes red blood cells to harden and form a C-shape. When these cells harden, they can get caught in blood vessels and cause serious complications like respiratory conditions, organ failure, stroke or severe pain. While there is no cure for the disease, there is a critical treatment—blood transfusions.

Burn Patients

Burn patients may experience blood loss through surgery or anemia. These individuals may need blood transfusion to replace the blood or red blood cells lost.

Patients Who Have Major Surgeries

Patients who have a major surgical procedure may need a blood transfusion to replace any blood loss that occurred during their surgery.

Patients with Chronic Diseases

Patient with certain chronic diseases or disorders may require blood transfusions. Some may need blood transfusions throughout their lives.

The next time you see one of those signs, one of our advertisements or think about the Red Cross, take the next step. Schedule an appointment to donate blood. Your donation helps people in your community – and you never know if that person could be standing right beside you. To take that next step now, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to find an upcoming blood drive or donation site near you.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

More than 260 donations made at the Give from the Heart at annual blood drive

Posted on February 4, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

For 23 years, the Give from the Heart blood drive has been a lifesaving tradition in Northern Ohio. This year’s event was held last Tuesday, Feb. 8 at the Cleveland Marriott East in Warrensville Heights.

This blood drive came at a vital time, as the Red Cross continues to struggle with a national blood crisis. The current nationwide shortage has been further impacted by winter weather across the country, with about 600 blood drives cancelled forcing 20,000 donations to go uncollected.

Across the Northern Ohio Region, 21 blood drives were cancelled Thursday, February 3 leaving more than 730 donations uncollected.

The more than 260 donations made at the Give from the Heart blood drive will potentially help up to 800 patients.

We encourage donors to make an appointment for future blood drives by visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.

If you are not able to give blood, the Red Cross also needs blood drive volunteers and blood transportation specialists to support critical blood collections. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals our local communities. To learn more and sign-up, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Red Cross response in 2021: Families face emergency needs

Posted on November 22, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Bring hope to the holidays by donating on Giving Tuesday or giving blood to help overcome the nation’s emergency blood shortage

In 2021, people in Northern Ohio and across the country faced great emergency needs as the ongoing pandemic exacerbated the challenges related to severe disasters, blood shortages and global conflict.

“Our most vulnerable neighbors are facing unique and pressing struggles when crisis strikes on top of COVID-19,” Mike Parks, Regional CEO said. “This holiday season, join us to provide help and hope in these difficult moments by making a financial donation or by giving blood or platelets.”

Watch Mike’s Thanksgiving video message here.

Visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets. Individuals can also learn about volunteer opportunities in their area and give back in honor of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, whose 200th birthday will be commemorated on December 25.

RELENTLESS DISASTERS COMPOUND COVID-19 STRUGGLES 2021 marked one of the country’s most active years for severe weather — which battered many communities still reeling from last year’s disasters. For thousands of people in need, the Red Cross launched a new major relief effort every 11 days to provide refuge, food and care.

August 10, 2021. Chicago Park, California. Red Cross volunteer Dave Wagner surveys damage from the River Fire on Meyer Drive in Chicago Park, California. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

This year, a family displaced by a disaster in the U.S. spent an average of nearly 30 days in a Red Cross-supported emergency shelter. These extended stays were largely due to a lack of savings and community housing shortages — signs that climate-driven disasters are compounding the financial hardships of the pandemic.

Tom Revolinsky and Tracy Endress travelled to the hurricane-ravaged gulf coast

65 disaster workers from Northern Ohio, most of them volunteers, helped people across the country who were impacted by disasters, including western wildfires, Hurricane Ida, Tropical Storms Fred and Henri, flooding in middle Tennessee, and the repatriation of refugees from Afghanistan in Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin.

In Northern Ohio, Red Cross workers responded to nearly 1,200 disasters – the vast majority of them home fires. More than 1,800 families received assistance in the immediate hours and days after experiencing their darkest hours.

GLOBAL CONFLICT CREATES MASS NEEDS FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES Around the world, massive humanitarian needs emerged in 2021 for a growing number of families displaced by the overlapping challenges of conflict, COVID-19 and climate change. This year, at the request of federal government partners, Red Cross workers from Northern Ohio and across the country distributed more than 2.1 million essential items — like blankets, diapers, medicine and toys — for Afghan evacuees arriving on U.S. military bases and unaccompanied children seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

September 1, 2021. Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. The American Red Cross is welcoming evacuees from Afghanistan at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, at the request of the Department of Defense. Red Cross team members are offering hygiene supplies, baby items, and other necessities. Photo by Emily Osment / American Red Cross

COVID-19 STRAINS BLOOD SUPPLY FOR PATIENTS To meet the increasing needs of hospital patients, the Red Cross distributed 250,000 more blood products in 2021 than last year, until the delta variant began to spread in August. 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 Northern Ohio Red Cross Region has experienced a 32% decrease in new blood donors this year.

Blood donor Ed Lewis gives at the WNCX Rock and Roll blood drive in April, 2021

As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. Blood donations are desperately needed now to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

All those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec.16 will automatically be entered for the chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the epic new film The Matrix Resurrections. Plus, those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.*

30-gallon blood donor says YOU can save a life

Posted on October 21, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Marie Lecurgo doesn’t remember the first time she donated blood, which is understandable, because she started more than 40 years ago.

But she knows why she’s still donating blood: “The feeling that you’re helping so many people, it’s overwhelming.”

Marie chokes up as she thinks of how many people have benefitted from the 30 gallons she has given. That’s 240 pints, each of which can be separated into three critical components. So that’s as many as 720 recipients: accident victims, surgery patients, people undergoing treatment for everything from cancer to sickle cell disease.

Marie Lecurgo (center), with Red Cross staff, shows off her badge of honor after a recent donation at UAW Local 12 in Toledo

The 71-year-old Toledo resident, a not-yet-retired licensed practical nurse, is out front with her support for the American Red Cross. “I feel like a walking billboard for the Red Cross. I wear all their free T-shirts,” she says with a chuckle.

But she turns serious when she thinks about people who shy away from rolling up their sleeves, citing a fear of needles. “Get over it!” she says firmly. “There may be a time when you or someone you love needs blood.” She’d love to inspire a hundred more people to follow her selfless example.

“There may be a time when you or someone you love needs blood.”
Marie Lecurgo

In fact, Red Cross is seeing the worst post-summer shortage of blood and platelets in at least six years.

The blood inventory typically rebounds after summer shortages. But this fall, a surge in COVID-19 cases because of the Delta variant has contributed to the lowest donor turnout of the year. To meet hospital and patient needs, the Red Cross needs to collect 10,000 additional blood products each week this month.

With less than a day’s supply of certain blood types on hand in recent weeks, the Red Cross urges donors of all blood types — especially type O — to make an appointment to give blood or platelets.

Marie made an appointment to donate whole blood again last week and now she’s thinking about giving platelets too. Donors can give platelets every seven days because the process extracts just the platelets, returning the rest of the blood back to the donor, so there’s less recovery time.

To sign up for a blood drive or donation center near you, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Every Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows strict standards of safety and infection control, and  additional precautions  — including face masks for all donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status — are in place to protect everyone’s health. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment before arriving at a drive.

Donors can save up to 15 minutes at their blood drive by using a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification to check in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Red Cross facing severe blood shortage: Donors needed now

Posted on June 22, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise– and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.

The Red Cross Northern Ohio Region appreciates the support of the local media, who have shared our need for blood and encouraged the community to come out now and help overcome the shortage. Read more at the links below:

WKYC – TV
WEWS-TV
WFMJ – TV
WKBN-TV
WNWO-TV
The Canton Repository
The Monroe News
Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune
WFIN Radio

In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs.

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.

Final weeks for COVID-19 antibody testing

As more than a third of Americans have become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for blood, platelet and plasma donations.

Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination. The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase as the nation continues to journey out of this pandemic.

Thanks to the donors who turned out in Twinsburg at the Cleveland Clinic blood drive on June 16, 2021. Their donations will help alleviate the current blood shortage.

The Red Cross of Northern Ohio hosts around 20 blood drives each day across the 30 counties we serve. Approximately 80 local hospitals in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown and Toledo depend on us to help meet the blood transfusion needs of patients. Below are several upcoming blood drives across the region. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) 

Cleveland
June 25, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Mentor Civic Arena, 8600 Munson Rd., Mentor
June 28, 1 – 7 p.m., Independence Community Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence June 29, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Cuyahoga Valley Church, 5055 E. Wallings Rd., Broadview Heights
June 30, Noon – 7 p.m., Avon Isle Park, 37080 Detroit Road, Avon

Akron/Canton
June 28, Noon – 6 p.m., St Paul Lutheran Church, 127 Cherry Road NE, Massillon
June 30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1435 E. Main St., Kent
July 1, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, 2345 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls

Youngstown
June 24, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown
June 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Boardman Public Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave., Boardman
June 30, Noon – 6 p.m., Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave., Warren

Toledo
June 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Broadway, Maumee
June 27, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St., Toledo
June 28, 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fremont VFW, 204 Birchard Ave., Fremont
June 30, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 East Indiana, Perrysburg

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Tag Archives: Blood Donors