The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in the gym at Ambler Borough Hall on Tuesday, August 25. From 1 to 6 p.m., eligible individuals can stop in to give blood. Mayor of Ambler Jeanne Sorg encouraged residents to participate in the drive, as the country is currently experiencing a blood supply shortage.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations typically drop in the summer, but injuries rise due to increased outdoor activities. This causes a lack of available blood for transfusions, which can be deadly for some injury victims. Summer donations like the one at Ambler Borough Hall help replenish supplies and prevent complications due to blood loss. The Red Cross recommended donors with eligible O, B, or A- blood types make a “Power Red” donation, a specialized donation which collects nearly twice the amount of red blood cells as a normal contribution.

Eligible donors can speed up the donation process by preregistering and answering health history questions online here: Prepare For Your Upcoming Donation – RapidPass | Red Cross Blood Services. Those who give blood in August can also receive a $20 Amazon gift card. See Amazon’s customer service page for gift card terms and conditions.

Not everyone may be eligible to give blood. For donation guidelines and other information, visit the Red Cross’ website here: Donate Blood, Platelets or Plasma. Give Life | Red Cross Blood.

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