BY KAREN BOSSICK

Got blood? Higher Ground is sponsoring its third annual Steve Adam Memorial Blood Drive on May 4.

The therapeutic recreation organization would like to fill all 58 slots that have been allotted. Every donor will get a free COVID antibody test with their donation. Donors will also get a $10 e-gift card and a chance to win a travel camper that sleeps eight.

Those who would like to donate can go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Steve

The American Red Cross is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade, which means doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who needs to wait until more products become available.

The Red Cross has seen a 10 percent reduction in blood donations since March 2020 because of the pandemic. There’s been a 62 percent drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic, and student donors accounted for a quarter of all donors in 2019.

Severe weather and staff shortages have also contributed to the lack of blood.

“The Red Cross is really hurting for blood,” said George Caton, who is heading up the Steve Adam Memorial Blood Drive.

Higher Ground started the blood drive in memory of Steve Adam, who volunteered as a mental health professional for many of its winter and summer veteran’s camps. Eight weeks before he died of leukemia, he passed his PSIA Alpine Level 1 certification so he could volunteer to teach skiing to veterans, as well, said Caton.

“Steve loved working with the veterans and the veterans loved him,” Caton said. “Higher Ground started doing the annual blood drive as a way to honor Steve and all he did for our veterans.”

Those who would like to be placed on a standby list may call Caton at 208-720-3035 or email wtcaton@gmail.com