Why The American Red Cross Is Making Emergency Call For Blood

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for blood donors of all types, after experiencing a low donation level throughout June and the first week of July.

The number of blood donations was down by 50,000 last month, a full 10% lower than expected.

According to the organization, June is one of the most challenging months to collect enough blood and platelet donations. Many regular donors become busy with summer activities, so giving blood is a lower priority for them. Additionally, the Fourth of July may play a part in decreasing donations.

Last year, it was reported that US blood donations hit their lowest levels in 15 years as a result of severe weather conditions and summer holidays.

Canadian Blood Services also previously called on donors for the “critical” summer months, where donation figures are naturally lower due to donors taking vacations.

Donations of both blood and platelets are being encouraged by the Red Cross, particularly from donors with blood types O negative, B negative and A negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient, while type A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Stephanie Millian, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, says:

“We’re asking for the public’s help now to prevent a more serious shortage. Each day donations come up short and less blood is available for patients in need. It’s the blood products on the shelves today that help save lives in an emergency.”

The American Red Cross is the nation’s largest blood collection organization. It supplies more than 40% of the blood and blood products used in the country.

According to the organization, more than 44,000 blood donations are needed in the US every day. In 2006, more than 5 million patients received a blood transfusion.

Each year, around 4 million volunteers give blood, providing more than 6.5 million units. The organization distributes around 9.5 million blood products every year, including 6 million units of red blood cells to patients in over 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org. Individuals must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health in order to give blood.