Because of critical shortages following the holiday season, the American Red Cross needs blood and is issuing an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donors to help replenish its temporarily low supply.

To help meet the need for blood donations, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its Clinic Conference Room. 

Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass. Walk ins are also welcome; the process generally takes about 45 minutes. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Individuals who are 17 years and older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Those who donated blood earlier this year may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red cells can be donated every 112 days. Please contact the Red Cross at 1-866-236-3276 with any eligibility questions. Donor suitability is determined at the collection site on the day of donation.

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. The Red Cross relies on community partners to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients. About 80 percent of blood donations made to the Red Cross are through blood drives set up by community organizations, groups and businesses.

Donors should enter CRMC through its main entrance and follow signs to the Clinic Conference Room. Ample parking and a shuttle is available near the main entrance.

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