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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — The American Red Cross is urging donors to schedule blood donation appointments this fall after a summer shortage pushed the nation’s blood supply down nearly 25% in June, leading the organization to declare its second-ever national blood crisis.

Johnny Williams, executive director of the Red Cross of Southwest Georgia, said donors responded after the crisis began in July, and the Red Cross came out of the crisis during August.

“But we still are urging donors to go out and make sure they make an appointment to donate blood during the fall, because it only takes a few days of non-activity to be right back in a shortage.” Williams said.

Williams said the shortage affected how hospitals and doctors made decisions about patient care.

“Doctors have to begin to make tough decisions when the blood is really short, and they can’t get what they need to come in,” Williams said. “So, the things that are not life-threatening will a lot of times be postponed, and the things that are very important or life-threatening gets the main focus.”

Several blood drives are scheduled across Albany and Tifton through the end of September:

• Sept. 11: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wynfield Park Health & Rehabilitation, 223 3rd Ave. W, Albany
• Sept. 14: Noon to 5 p.m., Porterfield United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Rd., Albany
• Sept. 16: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Albany State University, Building 7, 504 College Dr.
• Sept. 22: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tifton Methodist Church, 107 West 12th Street, Tifton
• Sept. 24: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Byne Memorial Baptist Church, 2832 Ledo Rd., Albany

Those who donate Sept. 1-20 will receive a Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and a surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.

Donors who give Sept. 21-Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. Donors who give Sept. 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to staff or volunteers onsite can receive a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter.

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