The Red Cross needs blood donations ahead of the seasonal trauma surge.
The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage as donations have stalled during one of the most critical times of year. The summer trauma season, as it's referred to, is the time of year when emergency rooms see a surge in patients with serious injuries from things ranging from car crashes to workplace accidents.
A national call for blood and platelet donations has been put forth by the Red Cross, who say that the shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative.
The Red Cross is currently distributing 3,500 more units of blood per week than expected. This, in conjunction with the decline of blood donations, has resulted in this emergency.
The local Athens Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center is open to accept donations by appointment.