The American Red Cross says the country remains under an emergency blood shortage, with the national supply having fallen by more than 25 percent since July 1.
“The American Red Cross continues to stress that blood and platelets are critically needed right now to help support life-saving transfusions,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Tammy Ritchie. “Donors of all blood types are in demand, especially those with type O, and donors giving platelets.”
Several opportunities to donate are available, including this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pritchard Community Center. Donors will be rewarded.
“The Red Cross is actually offering an incentive to all donors who come out and donate a $20 Amazon gift card as a way of saying thank you, but also to replenish the shelves that are in such desperate need of products,” Ritchie said.
The Red Cross says heat advisories combined with typical summer disruptions resulted in a shortfall of more than 19,000 donations in July. Learn more and schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
