The American Red Cross needs blood and is issuing an appeal for blood and platelet donors to help replenish its low supply. Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 4, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The drive will be in the former Rehabilitation Department on CRMC’s lower level. Donors must wear a mask and should use Entrance A on the east side of the building where they will be screened for COVID symptoms.

Appointments must be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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.

---