After a summer of decreased donor turnout, the American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage.

Two weeks ago, Hurricane Idalia forced dozens of blood drive cancellations, compounding the shortage. Right now, the Red Cross is distributing blood products to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in and has reduced distributions of some of the most needed blood products in recent weeks.

September blood drives in the Icon readership areas include:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

• Allen County Engineers Office
• 1501 North Sugar Street, Lima, OH 45801

Monday, September 25, 2023, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• Visiting Nurses & Hospice
• 1200 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810

Thursday, September 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

• Ohio Northern University McIntosh Center
• 525 S Main, McIntosh Center, Ada, OH 45810

Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

How to donate blood 
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.