Take time out to donate blood now

Will Rogers is famously misquoted as saying you should put your money in real estate, because they aren’t making any more of it, and there is wisdom in that thought.

There is something they are still making -- all of us are, in fact -- that is even more precious and in higher demand.

Check out stories and photos elsewhere in this edition and you’ll see conditions that will exacerbate an already critical regional shortage of life-giving blood and platelets.

Flooding along the Platte River will certainly disrupt the already tenuous process of collecting vital blood supplies during the busy July vacation season.

Tuesday, the American Red Cross declared a blood crisis, saying there was less than a three-day supply of most blood types available because of the typical Fourth of July lull, compounding a shortfall of more than 24,000 blood donations in June.

It’s especially important that blood donors come forward now, with summer activities in full swing, many of them, unfortunately, capable of resulting in accidents requiring a ready supply of blood.

The Red Cross has responded as best it can, adding about 8,000 appointments above normal at blood donations and community blood drivers over the next few weeks, but that can only help if eligible donors show up.

We know you’re busy, trying to make up lost time for the long, cool spring, but, especially if you’re Type O, we hope you’ll visit one of the following, air-conditioned donation sites for a relaxing break and visit with grateful Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for an appointment. While you’re at it, complete a RapidPass online to save time at the donation site.

Upcoming opportunities include:

McCook

7/15/2019: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ed Thomas YMCA of McCook, 901 West E St

Maywood

7/17/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Hall, 202 N. Commercial Street

Eustis

7/22/2019: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Legion Hall, 108 North Main Street

Imperial

7/23/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Chase County High School, 520 East 9th Street

McCook

7/25/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cornerstone Fellowship, 402 West 5th Street

Trenton

7/26/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Building, 201 East 1st

Cambridge

7/30/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Building, 722 Patterson St

7/31/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cambridge Hospital, West Hwy 6 and 34