The Red Cross has a severe blood shortage and needs donations, according to Jennifer Books, ARC account manager.
ARC collected 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations in September and October than required to fulfill hospital needs, she said.
"Fewer blood drives - coupled with the widespread cancellation of scheduled drives as a result of hurricanes Michael and Florence - were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage," Books said. "Blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now - especially type O - to replenish the blood supply."
Currently, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types.
"We strive to keep a five-day supply on hand at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that would require significant volumes of donated blood products," Books added.
The following Callaway County Blood drives are planned:
Nov. 21, Fulton Medical Center Conference Room, sponsored by Fulton Rotary, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nov. 23, Ebenezer Baptist Church, 6841 Route Z, Fulton, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nov. 24, Grand Prairie Baptist Church, Auxvasse, sponsored by Auxvasse Lions Club, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 26, St. Peter Church School Gymnasium, Fulton, 3-7 p.m.
Nov. 28, MO School for the Deaf Gymnasium, Fulton, noon-4 p.m.
Nov. 30, Fulton High School Gymnasium, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 4, Westminster College, Mueller Student Center, 1-6 p.m.
Dec. 10, Fulton State Hospital - Jane Bierdeman-Fike Building, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 17, New Bloomfield High School, Noon-5 p.m.
Dec. 10, Fulton State Hospital - Jane Bierdeman-Fike Building, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 20, Fulton State Hospital - Jane Bierdeman-Fike Building, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 21, The Lighthouse Church, Kingdom City, 3-7 p.m.
Dec. 24, Fulton Police Department Community Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 28, Callaway County Public Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Please use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a blood donation appointment.