The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations, due to an extremely low supply.
During the past few months, blood supplies have fallen to approximately 39,000 fewer donations than what hospitals need. Every two seconds in the United States, blood and platelets are needed for emergencies, including accident and burn victims, surgeries and transplants, and patients receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease. Nick Gehrig, Red Cross Blood Services communications director, said “Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations. Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks.”
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).