The American Red Cross, which supplies blood to hospitals throughout the state, 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 has 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.

New Ulm is hosting a blood drive this week, with the bloodmobile stopping at the New Ulm Civic Center, 1212 N. Franklin St., on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday. The bloodmobile will also be stopping in Springfield on Monday, June 15, from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Springfield Community Center.

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors can use these methods to make appointments to give blood

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 schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required 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 this week’s blood drive one for the record books.