The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant blood shortage and has an emergency request for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and help save lives.

As of today, Red Cross blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what’s needed, as well as a significant draw-down of its overall blood supply.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. As the nation’s largest provider of blood products, the Red Cross is dedicated to the safety and availability of the blood supply for patients in need.

Every day, the American Red Cross needs to collect 14,000 blood donations across the country to meet patient needs.

“We urge people to give now to help hospital patients who depend on blood and platelets being available when they need it,” said Chris Hrouda, executive vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Summer is one of the most challenging seasons to collect enough blood, but patients need blood no matter what time of year it is.”

Blood and Platelet Donation

Chris joined me to share more about the critical need for blood and platelets, and the importance of regular donation, and how you and your community can help.

 

Take a look at our discussion below.

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Blood and Platelet Donation

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or connect on Twitter at @RedCross.

Blood and Platelet Donation