MADISON, Wis. — The American Red Cross says it is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now.
According to the Red Cross, blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days.
“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services said in a news release. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.”
The Red Cross has added more than 25,000 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors.
To schedule an appointment to donate, Red Cross says donors can use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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