Today, the American Red Cross is alerting the public to an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the height of trauma season, when hospitals frequently see increased demand for blood due to serious injuries and other medical emergencies.
A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. The shortage is especially critical for type O positive and type B negative blood. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay.
The following American Red Cross blood drives are scheduled in Rochester this month:
American Legion Post #7
94 Eastern Avenue, Rochester, NH 03867
Saturday, July 18, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=AMLEG
Frisbie Memorial Hospital
11 Whitehall Road, Rochester, NH 03867
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=RochesterNH
Lilac Club Casino
7 Milton Road, Rochester, NH 03867
Monday, July 27, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=lilacclubcasino
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