The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross-national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
“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.”
The Red Cross is working with hospitals around the clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the GIANT fm WTCA listening area include:
Thursday, August 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Argos United Methodist Church, 540 North Michigan Street.
Wednesday, August 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
Thursday, August 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Culver-Union Township Public Library, 107 North Main Street.
Saturday, August 17th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cornerstone Community Fellowship Church at 1375 Maple Road in LaPaz.
Friday, August 30th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marshall County Blueberry Festival, in Centennial Park.
Tuesday, August 20th from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Knox Community Center at 55 East Lake Street and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Judson Wayne Township Public Library, 208 Keller Ave.
Friday, August 23rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Hospital at 1400 E. Ninth St. in Rochester.
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