(Statewide) – The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage after donations plummeted nearly 25 percent since the end of May.
The organization says hospital demand is currently outstripping donations by roughly 3,500 units a week, pushed by the peak of summer trauma season.
Officials say platelets, O-positive, and B-negative types are desperately needed.
“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”
Anyone who donates through July 31 will receive a $15 Fandango movie ticket by email.
You can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org; through the Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS .
