An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O.
The agency escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations.
Communications manager Ronnika McFall says several hundred fewer drives were held due to the July 4th holiday weekend.
“More than 550 fewer blood drives were held the week of the 4th of July than a typical week as individuals across the country celebrated the holiday and enjoyed summer activities.’
McFall says this could equate to as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in. Type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage. She says there are several ways to make an appointment
“You can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, our award-winning app. It’s super easy, I love it, I actually use the App myself to make my appointments. You also can visit www.redcrossblood.org, or you can call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767)
When you go to redcrossblood.org, and you enter in your zip code you will see all of the blood drives that are in your area.”
McFall says during extreme shortages; hospitals have to reschedule surgeries.
