North Country blood drives scheduled Oct. 27-31

Blood drives are scheduled across the North Country from Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Saturday, Oct. 31, including events in Ogdensburg, Canton, Turin, Boonville, Madrid, Gouverneur and Watertown. The drives provide donation opportunities as the American Red Cross continues to urge people to give blood during a national supply crisis declared in July.

Where to donate

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, United Helpers at 8101 State Highway 68 in Ogdensburg will host a drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A second drive is scheduled at the Canton Fire Station, 77 Riverside Drive, from 1 to 6 p.m.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, drives are scheduled at South Lewis Central School, 4264 East Road in Turin, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Adirondack Central School, 8181 State Route 294 in Boonville, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Madrid-Waddington High School, 2582 State Highway 345 in Madrid, from noon to 4:30 p.m.

A drive is scheduled Friday, Oct. 30, at the Gouverneur Veterans of Foreign Wars, 100 West Main Street, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, the American Red Cross North Country Chapter at 203 North Hamilton Street in Watertown will host a drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Why donations matter

The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis July 27, citing critically low donations and shortages of type O blood. The organization said extreme heat, poor air quality and foodborne illnesses contributed to lower donor turnout during the summer. Its release said the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of type O-positive blood at the time.

The July declaration was only the second national blood supply crisis announced by the Red Cross. The previous declaration came in January 2022.

Blood donation needs have also been felt locally. A Jefferson Community College drive in Watertown drew a small turnout that increased through the afternoon, according to an Aug. 5 report. Red Cross spokesman Robert Waisel said filling the donation schedule was the priority.

Appointments and updates

People seeking to donate can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org. The local Red Cross office is at 203 North Hamilton Street in Watertown and can be reached at (315) 782-4410.

The weekly list of North Country drives has been published since at least spring 2026, with prior listings covering late September and October. Readers should check with the Red Cross for appointment information, eligibility requirements and drive-specific details before attending.