Now especially is the time to donate blood

Despite repeated requests, attempts at prize incentives — practically begging for potential donors to act — the American Red Cross is facing an even worse shortage than when it first raised the alarm in late spring. In fact, there has been a sharp decline in donations, which led the blood supply to fall nearly 25% in June. Meanwhile, according to the organization, it is distributing nearly 3,500 units more per week than expected to hospitals. "Trauma season" has taken on a new dimension this year. "A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible," said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. "Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can't support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We're asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions." In our coverage area, here are upcoming local opportunities to give blood: Findlay: Thursday, July 23, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 800 S. Main St., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 25, at Hancock County American Red Cross, 125 Fair St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tiffin: Wednesday, July 29, at Sentinel Career Center, 793 E. Township Road 201, Noon to 6 p.m. Sandusky: Tuesday, July 21, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Ave., 1 to 6 p.m.; Friday, July 24, at Firelands Health, 1912 Hayes Ave., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Norwalk: Monday, July 20, at First United Methodist Church, 60 W. Main St., 1:30 to 7 p.m.; Friday, July 24, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center, 272 Benedict Ave., 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every TWO SECONDS. It could be you in need. It could be a member of your family. It could be anyone. Find out more about how to help at RedCrossBlood.org. And then, please, if you are eligible and able, don't hesitate.