The American Red Cross is urgently seeking donors due to a national blood shortage.

After a summer of decreased donor turnout, the Red Cross is seeking help from the public to recover from a 30,000 blood and platelet donation shortfall in August 2023. Hurricane Idalia forced dozens of blood drive cancellations, compounding the shortage. The Red Cross is currently distributing blood products to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in and has reduced distributions of some of the most needed blood products in recent weeks.

Several blood donation opportunities are available in the KMMO listening area.

In Carroll County:
-Carroll County Memorial Hospital from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 13.
-Tina Avalon High School from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 27.

In Chariton County:
-Keytesville High School from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, September 21.

In Cooper County:
-Bunceton High School from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, September 21
-Pilot Grove Community Building from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, September 12.
-Prairie Home High School from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, September 26.

In Howard County:
-St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayette from 1-5 p.m. Friday, September 29.

In Johnson County:
-Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg from 12-4 p.m. Thursday, September 14.
-The American Legion in Warrensburg from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, September 25.

In Pettis County:
-La Monte High School from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 13.
-State Fair Community College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 13.
-Inter-State Studio from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, September 29.