Blood Centers Urge Donations Ahead of July 4

Blood centers across the U.S., including the American Red Cross, are urgently appealing for blood and platelet donations ahead of the Fourth of July due to seasonal shortages, especially to help patients like Ava from Ardmore, Oklahoma, who needs platelet transfusions for leukemia. Type O blood, particularly O negative, and platelets are in high demand for trauma, cancer, and maternity patients, with platelets in short supply because of their short shelf life. Community events such as the Battle of the Breweries in Kansas and the All-American Fish Fry Blood Drive in Oklahoma are being organized to boost donations. Incentives for donors include exclusive Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, gift cards, and entry into prize drawings at select locations through mid-July. High-volume donors like Jim Stiers, who has donated platelets over 600 times, highlight the lifesaving impact of regular contributions. Donation drives are available nationwide, and appointments are encouraged via RedCrossBlood.org and other regional organizations.