Public support from the organization’s late-June appeal helped temporarily stop a decline in the blood supply. However, the mid-week Independence Day and extreme summer weather have contributed to a decrease in donations lately.

Regina Ruccuglia, Communications Manager of the American Red Cross Tennessee Valley Region was excited that 793 units of blood were recently collected at Paducah's Donor Days last week.

"So many families were able to make it, and help save lives, at a time when the American Red Cross is in an emergency appeal. We are thrilled at the outpouring of the community, but we're still in need, we're still in the midst of one of the lowest blood donation levels that we've seen in 15 years," Raccuglia said.

Raccuglia encouraged everyone to arrange a time to give blood as soon as they can.

"What we have to remember is that the patients at our local hospitals have no other choice, they need help, they need this blood, so your support is greatly needed, and we urge everyone to go to redcrossblood.org and make an appointment."
 
Donor can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.Upcoming Paducah blood drives include:

August 6, 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM at First Christian Church, 415 Audubon Drive
August 8, 3:30 - 7:30 PM at Reidland Church of Christ, 5500 Kentucky Dam Road
August 12, 9:15 AM - 1:15 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 211 South 21st Street
August 15, 2:30 - 7:30 PM at Lone Oak Church of Christ, 2960 Lone Oak Road
August 16, 12:00 - 6:00 PM at Broadway United Methodist Church, 701 Broadway
August 17, 2:00 - 7:00 PM at Broadway Church of Christ, 2855 Broadway

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.