The Red Cross issued an urgent emergency call for help from everyone in the Tri-State area.

On Monday, the American Red Cross issued an urgent call for eligible individuals of all blood types to give now and help save patient lives following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations.

All blood types are needed by Type O, in particular, is critically needed right now to replenish the blood supply, according to the Red Cross.

Fewer blood donors and fewer blood drives during the Independence Day holiday week caused this blood shortage emergency, officials say.

“Blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in – we need both new and current blood donors to make an appointment as soon as possible to help patients battling illness and injury,” Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Blood Services said in a press release. “Unlike many other lifesaving medical treatments, blood donations cannot be manufactured and stockpiled. Red blood cells have a shelf-life of only 42 days and platelets just five days – Each donation, each day makes a difference.”

Eligible individuals are urged to schedule a blood or platelet donation today by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross encourages individuals to make a donation appointment and to complete a RapidPass online health history questionnaire to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass can now be completed on mobile devices and through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Individuals who are 17 years of age or older and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood in most states, officials say.

Below is a list of a number of Blood Drives being held over the news two weeks in the Hudson Valley.

Wednesday, July 11

Orange Regional Medical Center

707 East Main Street
Middletown, NY 10940
Thursday, July 12, 2018

Solaris Sports Club

201 Veterans Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Friday, July 13, 2018

Vassar Brothers Medical Center

45 Reade Place
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Saturday, July 14, 2018

Cragsmoor Fire Dept.

66 Sams Point Rd. / PO. Box 318
Cragsmoor, NY 12420

United Methodist Church of Wappingers Falls

9 S. Mesier Avenue
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Monday, July 16, 2018

Town of Gardiner

2340 Rt. 44/55
Gardiner, NY 12525
Wednesday, July 18, 2018

VFW Post 5913 Wappingers Falls

8 School St.
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Dutchess Junction Fire District
75 Slocum Road
Beacon, NY 12508

Friday, July 20, 2018

Town of Newburgh

1496 Route 300
Newburgh, NY 12550

Moose Lodge 904

1273 Rte 9G
Hyde Park, NY 12538

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Poughkeepsie Galleria

2001 South Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

St. Patrick's Church Family Education Center

137 Moseman Ave.
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Boardman Road Branch Library

141 Boardman Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

 

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