AMERICAN Red Cross is needing blood donations

Friday, June 22nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Summer is here and that means the American Red Cross is headed into a seasonal slump for blood supplies. A shortage of blood donations is common in the summer, when demand is usually highest. But, this year, the problem is worse. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a day's supply of most blood types, less than half a day's supply of others. Maggie Jewell with the Red Cross says, "We are experiencing as much as a 13 to 16% increase in use by the Tulsa hospitals while our collections are relatively flat. So we've got a widening gap between the supply and demand." That's why the local American Red Cross is extending its hours for blood donations, even opening on Sunday and the Fourth of July.

Monday & Wednesday - 11 AM-6 PM
Tuesday & Thursday - 8 AM-6 PM
Friday - 8 AM-3 PM
Saturday - 8 AM-2 PM
Sunday - 12 PM-5 PM

The extended hours will last through July 14th. You can call 831-1151 to set an appointment to donate blood at either their 11th Street location or south Memorial Drive location.