The American Red Cross says the amount of people giving blood has dropped to its lowest point in the last 20 years, and the organization has declared an emergency blood shortage.
The Red Cross says a 40 percent drop in blood donation has created dramatic consequences for an already struggling blood supply, and new blood and platelet donations are needed to ensure lifesaving procedures are able to proceed without delay.
“Our cancer patients use blood on a regular basis,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Tammy Ritchie. “Any type of emergency or trauma into our emergency room, we have to make sure the blood is there when the patient gets there, because the need for blood doesn’t stop for any type of disaster.”
The Red Cross says blood supplies are only available based on the generosity of people willing to roll up a sleeve and contribute. The process for new donors getting started is an easy one.
“They can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS,” Ritchie said. “They’ll tell them the zip code they live in, and they can get them the blood drive closest to them.”
All who come to give blood during the month of January will be entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. Visit RedCrossBlood.org for more details.
