UNITED STATES (WCIA) — The American Red Cross is urging blood donations after announcing that their national supply has decreased by more than 25% since the beginning of July.
The summer season can mean extreme heat and busy travel plans. Throughout July, these conditions affected more than 100 blood drives, and created a shortfall of 19,000 blood donations. This impact comes just a few months after the Red Cross announced that they were facing their worst blood supply shortage in two decades.
Despite the lower amount of donations, the demand for blood remains strong. The Red Cross said blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Type O blood supplies are especially low at the moment, so donors with this blood type are doubly encouraged to schedule a blood donation.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, Executive Physician Director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
Throughout the month of August, blood, platelet or plasma donors will get a $20 Amazon gift card as a “thank you” from the Red Cross.
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767, or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
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