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 more than 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 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being 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 http://RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
•August 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St Pius Church, 3000 Chili Avenue, Rochester
•August 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Ogden Community Center, 269 Ogden Center Road, Spencerport
•August 20, 1 to 6 p.m., Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Road, Rochester
•August 21, 1 to 6 p.m., Riga Town Hall, 6460 Buffalo Road, Churchville
•August 22, 1 to 6 p.m., Brockport Fireman’s Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue, Brockport
•August 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northwest YMCA, 730 Long Pond Road, Rochester
•August 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Amazon, 2600 Manitou Road, Rochester
•August 28, 1 to 6 p.m., Chili Community Center, 3237 Chili Avenue, Rochester
•August 29, noon to 5 p.m., SUNY Brockport Seymour College Union, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport.
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