Blood Donors Needed In Richmond Area: Red Cross Drives Coming Up Soon

RICHMOND, VA — The nation's blood supply shortage has reached a critical point. The Red Cross and other organizations are urging people to donate soon.

There is an especially large demand for type O donations; the country has about a one-day supply of the highly needed blood type, according to the Red Cross.

Hospitals are treating a high number of traumatic injuries this summer. There is also high demand for organ transplants and elective surgeries.

The Red Cross has distributed about 12 percent more blood donations to hospitals across the U.S. this year compared with the same time last year.

People who donate blood during August will receive a free four-month subscription to Apple Music (new subscribers only). Those who donate between Aug. 1 and 15 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the 2021 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the Richmond area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 8/6/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, Space beside Zale's and H&M (Richmond)
• 8/9/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Varina Public Library, 1875 New Market Road (Henrico)
• 8/1/2021: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Road (Richmond)
• 8/7/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Midas Scotts Addition, 1212 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd (Richmond)
• 8/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Ave (Richmond)
• 8/4/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stonebridge Recreation Center, 230 Karl Linn Dr, Behind Kroger/Krispy Kreme Plaza (Richmond)
• 8/6/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., VCU Health Main Hospital, 1250 East Marshall St, 2nd Floor, The Meeting Center Conference Room A2-127 & 129 - Above of the hospital cafeteria (Richmond)
• 8/6/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Metropolitan African American Baptist Church, 5263 Warwick Road (Richmond)
• 8/10/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Downtown YMCA of Greater Richmond, 2 W. Franklin St. (Richmond)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to content@patch.com. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

People who have received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There is no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.