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Red Cross: Emergency Need for Donors

 

The Red Cross is issuing an emergency need for blood and eligible donors are being asked to schedule an appointment to give blood. The organization cites an ongoing severe blood shortage and states blood, and platelet donations are critical to meet hospital demand. Ruby Ramirez is a spokesperson with the Red Cross. 

 

“Across the country we have seen a 10 percent increase in the number of trauma cases, visiting emergency rooms and trauma centers in comparison to 2019,” Ramirez said. “In addition to that, people who previously deferred care during the COVID-19 pandemic are looking to resume treatment like elective surgeries and things of that nature.” 

According to a release, the Red Cross is distributing about 12% more blood products to hospitals across the U.S. compared to this time last year. In addition, it needs to collect more than 1,000 extra blood donations each day to meet the current need. 

Here in Georgia, we need to collect about 600 blood donations to service areas hospitals across the state.

 

“Every day the Red Cross needs to collect about 13,000 blood donations a day to supply hospitals across the nation. Here in Georgia, we need to collect about 600 blood donations to service areas hospitals across the state.” 

While all blood types are needed, Type O is especially needed, since there is currently just a one-day supply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-Red Cross 1-800-733-2767, to give.

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