KENT, Conn.—The Kent Lions Club will sponsor a blood drive Monday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community House, 93 North Main St.
For an appointment visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
The Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) has declared an emergency need for donations because the state’s blood supply has dropped below a two-day inventory, significantly lower than the seven-day supply needed to meet hospital and patient needs.
All blood types are urgently needed, but there’s a particularly severe shortage of O-negative and O-positive, which are crucial for emergency and trauma care.
The shortage is attributed to a seasonal decline in donations because people are on vacation and pursuing busy schedules, combined with an increase in trauma cases, according to the CTBC.
Both the Connecticut Blood Center and the American Red Cross are urging eligible donors to donate blood to help address the critical shortage. The Red Cross is offering incentives such as a $15 e-gift card and free A1C testing for donors in August.