The American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood. While summer is traditionally a challenging time to meet the demand, lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic are making the situation worse. Ruby Ramirez is a Red Cross spokesperson.
“Traditionally each summer we see a decline in blood donations, but this year blood donations are at a record low and we’re seeing a rise in trauma cases, organ transplants as well as elective surgeries as we turn a corner on the pandemic.”
The organization All blood types in are short supply, but there is currently a severe shortage of Type O blood.
“We saw our inventory dip down to about a half a day," Ramirez said. "Traditionally we like to keep about three or four days’ worth of blood supplies and inventory.”
Right now the agency needs to collect about 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet the current need. in addition, platelets are also desperately needed.
“About 50% of the platelets that we collect go to cancer patients; so we’re in need of all blood types and platelets. We’re encouraging people to come out and donate both of those items.”
Ramirez says blood is needed in the U.S. every two seconds. Those interested in making an appointment to donate can visit RedCrossBlood.org. You can also call 1-800-Red Cross, that’s 1-800-733-2767.
