The American Red Cross, which supplies blood to hospitals throughout Minnesota, has been facing a double whammy the past few months due to the COVID-19 virus. The social distancing restrictions have impacted the number of blood collection drives that can be held, and have limited the number of donors willing to get out and give blood.

Now with hospitals increasing the number of elective procedures and surgeries they are performing, the Red Cross needs more donors to come out and give blood to prevent shortages.

There will be a blood drive noon to 6 p.m. July 7 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Welcome and 1-6 p.m. July 15 at Legends II in Ceylon. Appointments must be made to accommodate social distancing. For more information, call (800) 733-2767 or go online at www.redcrossblood.org

If you are worried about exposure to COVID-19, be assured that each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff — have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Let’s make all the upcoming blood drives ones for the record books.