Written by
Dee Loflin, Manager/Writer SMT

Stoddard County, Missouri – The American Red Cross blood supply took serious hits during the Independence Day holiday and days following.  The Red Cross has issued emergency requests for blood and platelet donors.

They need blood of all types, and those with O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give. There is also a critical need for platelet donors as well.

Nationwide, donations through the Red Cross were down approximately 10% in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer d onations than expected.  This is not unusual for this time of the year with many on vacation this time of year there are more people traveling, more accidents therefore more folks require blood or blood platelts.  At the same time less people are donating during the summer months.

There will be two blood drives in Stoddard County.

July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 2025 W. Business Highway 60 in Dexter, Mo.

July 19 from 1-5 p.m. at Bank of Advance, 105 E. Gabriel in Advance, Mo.