SPOKANE, Wash. — The American Red Cross is calling for donors after issuing a nationwide emergency blood shortage.
In a press release, they say the national inventory dropped significantly in July. One reason they cite for the decrease is the record hot temperatures the country experienced last month.
The summer season typically has fewer donations because of vacation travel and summer activities. The Red Cross says the seasonal impacts, the heat, and that demand for blood is still constant has drained their reserves. The type O blood supply is particularly low.
The Red Cross is calling for platelet and all blood type donations, especially types O positive and negative. You can schedule an appointment to donate on the Red Cross Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross. “In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, like an individual in a car accident or a mom experiencing a severe postpartum hemorrhage, group O is the most commonly transfused blood type. For trauma patients, each minute of delay can increase the chance of death by 5%. More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room situations — those transfusions are only available because of the generosity of blood and platelet donors.”
The Red Cross is giving a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email to all those who donate in August. For more information, click here.
