Red Cross facing severe blood shortage, putting out the call for donors

Nationwide — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage, and donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment.

This comes as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries rise, and deplete the blood inventory.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).

As an added incentive, those who give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card. Details on that are available at www.redcrossblood.org/together.