Donors can help hospitals stay prepared to weather challenges this summer at Red Cross blood drives. Great Bend will offer a two-day blood drive next week during the annual Battle of the Badges. Donate blood and vote for your favorite: Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS. St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker Ave., is the location from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 15, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16. The process, from check-in to the post-donation visit to the canteen, is usually just about an hour’s time, according to Corry Herrman, Great Bend blood drive chair.

Other upcoming opportunities to donate blood in Barton County will be:

• July 29, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Legion, 1011 Kansas Ave., Great Bend

• July 30, 12:30- 6:30 p.m., St Joseph’s Parish Center, 110 W. 2nd St., Ellinwood.

This July, the American Red Cross continues to stress that blood donors are critically needed right now to support lifesaving transfusions this summer. Donors of all blood types are in demand, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets.

Every donation counts in the mission to keep blood products stocked for patients, including those facing life-threatening situations. More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room cases, highlighting the importance of generous blood donors. Be a force for good. 

Book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures for the theatrical release of “Twisters” to help avoid a summer blood shortage. All who come to give blood July 1-31 will get a Fandango Movie Ticket by email. Plus, those who come to give by July 14 will also receive a one-of-a-kind “Twisters” and Red Cross umbrella, while supplies last. As a bonus, those who come to give blood in July will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn. See RedCrossBlood.org/Twisters for full details.

Additional blood drives:

• Wilson - Aug. 9, 12:30-5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 2710 Ave A.

• Ness City - Aug. 1, noon to 6 p.m., Ness City Community Building, 115 W Main St.

• Utica - Aug. 8, 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., United Methodist Church, 357 E. Bell.

• Lyons - July 10, noon to 6 p.m., Faith Bible Church, 102 S Coronado St.

• Sterling - July 22, noon to 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 137 N. Broadway.

• Lucas - Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332 N. Main St.

• Russell - July 19, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Otterbein Methodist Church, 527 N Maple St.