A urgent plea for blood donors has been issued by the American Red Cross.
Metro
Red Cross supply drops 25%
Dorothy Miller picks up lifesaving blood from a Red Cross donation site as a volunteer Biomed Transportation Specialist in Charlotte.
Red Cross Volunteer and Blood Donor Brian Tusler of Raleigh makes his first blood donation in January with the help of phlebotomist Lakicha Bratcher during a Blood Drive at Marriott Crabtree Raleigh.
Tai Wong | American Red Cross
Brad Zerivitz | American Red Cross
LUMBERTON — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans.
Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities.
Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 17,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone.
To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma in August will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Local Opportunities
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at Petsense of Lumberton, 4327 Fayetteville Road, Lumberton.
Noon to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Antioch Baptist Church, 5089 Old Whiteville Road, Lumberton.
