There is currently an emergency shortage of blood and platelets donors for the American Red Cross. With the main blood types being A, B, AB, and O, with the additional Rli factor of positive (+) or negative (-) to factor in the mix, all types are needed to prevent a lack of blood when needed in American hospitals. Blood and platelets are used in surgeries, difficult pregnancies and to fortify those undergoing cancer treatments, among other uses.

Those interested in learning more about how they might help end the shortage can go to www.redcross.org to set up an appointment at a blood donation center or else support their local blood drive. The next local blood drive is scheduled for June 3rd at Holy Family Hall in Stanley from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.

For more information on setting up a blood drive appointment, please see the upper left of page 3 inside this issue.