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The coronavirus pandemic caused organizers to cancel dozens of blood drives scheduled this spring, causing severe shortages of blood in the area.
In response, the American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri scheduled an emergency blood drive for today.
The drive is being done by appointment only, so the Red Cross may manage the gathering's size and help people maintain social distancing.
In just three days, all available appointments for the drive filled up, so the Red Cross expanded it by 20 spots.
Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment, or call 1-800-733-2767. Although the drive may fill up again, more opportunities to donate blood will be available.
The appointment-only drive is scheduled 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Capital West Christian Church Event Center, 1308 Fairgrounds Road in Jefferson City.