Red Cross warns of national blood shortage, promotes Kennewick Sept. 2 drive

Red Cross leaders told the Kennewick council the chapter is operating amid a national blood shortage and urged residents to donate and spread the word. "Right now, we're in a complete crisis where we are so down in blood," Michelle Roth said, describing demand and six-month hospital projections that guide supply planning.

Roth noted that the city-supported drives have helped: from January the city hosted three drives that produced 64 donors (including 11 first-time donors) and 66 units collected. She promoted a Sept. 2 drive at the Kennewick Police Department and encouraged use of the Red Cross blood app for scheduling and to track a donation’s journey.

Council members asked practical questions about sign-up and walk-in policies; presenters said walk-ins are accepted but signing up is recommended to shorten visit time. Roth and Kelly also linked blood services to broader disaster readiness and volunteer recruitment.