Piedmont Walton Partners with Red Cross to Address Emergency Blood Shortage |
Piedmont Walton Hospital is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Monroe, Ga. (July 20, 2026) - Piedmont Walton Hospital is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital's Medical Office Building, 2151B W. Spring St., Suite 100.
On July 13, the American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The organization also reported that there has been an increased need for blood products, and blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, creating an urgent need for donors to schedule appointments now.
"Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to help others," said Cari Bailey, director of community relations at Piedmont Walton Hospital. " With the Red Cross reporting an emergency blood shortage, now is a critical time. We really appreciate everyone who donated at our last blood drive. You're truly helping save lives."
At Piedmont Walton's July 3 blood drive, 29 units of blood were collected. One blood donation may help save up to three lives, meaning those 29 units could help save up to 87 lives. Donating is a simple but powerful way to help ensure blood is available for patients who need it, whether they are facing trauma care, surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth complications or a chronic illness.
The Red Cross says all blood types are needed, but the shortage is especially critical for O-positive and B-negative blood, as well as AB plasma.
The Red Cross recommends eating iron-rich foods, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest the night before donating. Appointments are encouraged, and a photo ID is required to donate.
To schedule a donation for the July 28 blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code PWALTON, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). |
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Proud to live in a community that cares. I’ll see if my church can organize a van to go together.
What a wonderful idea! Organizing a group to donate can make a big difference and help grow our caring community even more.
Leanne S.What a great idea! Going as a group makes it feel less intimidating too. Hope more groups do the same.
Remember to hydrate! Made that mistake once and felt woozy. Water makes all the difference.
Absolutely, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to ensure a smoother donation experience—thanks for sharing your tip!
My husband can’t donate anymore after his meds changed. Hope others can step up.
Are walk-ins allowed or is it appointment only? Sometimes I’m free last minute.
Bryce O.I was wondering the same thing! Sometimes they let walk-ins if there’s room, but appointments might be best if you want to be sure. Could be worth calling ahead.
I appreciate that photo ID is required. Helps everyone feel safe and organized.
We agree, requiring photo ID helps the process run smoothly while keeping donors and staff safe—thank you for noticing!
AB plasma is always needed but I never hear about it. I’ll check my type and see if I can help.
Thank you for considering it—AB plasma is particularly valuable because it can be given to patients of any blood type, so every AB donor makes a big difference!
Thanks for the tip about iron-rich foods. I always feel tired after donating, maybe it’ll help.
We're glad you found the tip helpful! Eating iron-rich foods and staying hydrated can definitely make the donation process easier and help with recovery.
Those 29 units potentially saving 87 lives is amazing! Small act, big impact.
It's truly inspiring how one donation can ripple out to help so many—thank you for recognizing the profound impact every donor makes!
Wish more drives happened in neighborhoods, not just at the hospital. But glad they’re doing something.
emma_d83That would be awesome! I think more folks would donate if the drives came closer to home. Maybe local rec centers could host too.
For folks nervous about giving, it’s really quick and the staff are great. Worth it for sure.
Why is there always a shortage in the summer? I feel like this happens every year.
Jerry W.It’s actually pretty common. I think people are just busy with vacations and schools are out, so less blood drives. But the need doesn’t take a break.
Great question! Blood shortages do tend to happen more often in summer since regular donors are often on vacation and school drives pause, but the need for blood never takes a break.
Bless those organizing this. I had surgery last year and needed blood – can’t thank donors enough.
Can’t donate myself but I always tell my family. Never thought the shortage was this bad.
mike92Same here, I can’t donate either, but I always encourage friends who can. It’s surprising how quickly these shortages can happen.
Thank you for spreading the word—even if you can't donate yourself, every effort to raise awareness is a huge help during this urgent shortage.
I gave last month but I’ll be back on the 28th. The need seems so high.