The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.” Duluth First United Methodist Church invites you to roll up a sleeve on Wednesday, June 22nd, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood today. To schedule an appointment: Make an appointment online by clicking on https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=dufumc; Make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); Contact Tracy Brinker by e-mail at tbrinker@duluthumc.org, or by calling 770-476 3776,ext. 112. Last, but not least, as a “walk-in” on Blood Drive Day.