Published 12:06 pm Wednesday, September 9, 2026 VALDOSTA — The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall by scheduling a blood or platelet donation appointment in September. The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage, the Red Cross said in a press release, and now is the time for donors of all blood types to help patients who count on blood products for care. Reserve a spot to give now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment. Those who come to give Sept. 1-20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty for details. Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. Additionally, all who come to give Sept. 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers onsite can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Visit RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter for more information. Two blood drives are planned in Valdosta: — 1-6 p.m. Sept. 22 at American Red Cross of South Central Georgia, 385 Connell Road, — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at Student Union, 1500 N. Patterson St. Even as the…
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