The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.

Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations. Accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break – patients need blood every minute, every day.

In the summer of 1973, Ramona Johnson was playing at the park when she was injured jumping off the swings. She was bleeding profusely from a 7-inch gash in her leg. By the time she reached the hospital, she needed an emergency transfusion. She credits the donors who took the time to give blood with helping to save her life.

Johnson’s childhood experience receiving blood compelled her to make her first blood donation more than 10 years ago. “A little voice told me that this would be a great way to give back,” she said. “I have been faithfully donating every eight weeks since.”

The public is asked to schedule an appointment to help ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through June 10, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) Additionally, those who come to give May 25-29, will receive an exclusive Red Cross branded T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 21 to June 15

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Barber

Kiowa

6/15/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kiowa Community Building, 119 S. 5th St

Sharon

6/14/2018: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 105 S Broadway

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Barton

Ellinwood

6/12/2018: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ellinwood District Hospital, 605 N. Main

Great Bend

5/25/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., River Bend Assisted Living, 3820 Broadway Avenue

Hoisington

6/15/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank

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Comanche

Protection

6/15/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Protection Mennonite Church, 500 South Broadway

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Edwards

Kinsley

5/21/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Edwards County Fair Building, 1305 S Niles

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Ford

Dodge City

5/22/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Senior Center, 2408 Central Ave.

5/23/2018: 7:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 2408 Central Ave.

5/31/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Kansas National Guard Armory, 2120 1st Ave

Spearville

5/22/2018: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., St John’s Parish Hall, 100 Main Street

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Grant

Ulysses

5/24/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Grant County Fairground, 1000 West Patterson Ave

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Hamilton

Syracuse

5/23/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Hamilton County Fair Building, 806 S Main

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Harper

Anthony

5/29/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 225 N Bluff

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Haskell

Sublette

6/14/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sublette High School, 501 S Ellis

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Lane

Dighton

6/7/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lane County Fair Grounds, 147 West Long Street

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Morton

Elkhart

5/24/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Elkhart City Hall, 433 Morton Street

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Pratt

Pratt

5/25/2018: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pratt Health & Rehab, 1221 Larimer St.

5/25/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Pratt Community Building, 619 N. Main

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Rush

La Crosse

6/15/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., LaCrosse City Auditorium, 417 Main St.

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Seward

Liberal

6/14/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Western Avenue Church of Christ, 215 S. Western Ave.

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Stafford

Macksville

6/8/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Macksville Christian Church, 234 N. Shaeffer St.

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Stevens

Hugoton

6/13/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Stevens County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 51 and Washington St.

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How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.