Today the American Red Cross is alerting the public about an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the height of trauma season, when hospitals frequently see increased demand for blood due to serious injuries and other medical emergencies.
A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. The shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay.
You can help the Red Cross overcome this shortage:
- Schedule your blood or platelet donation today using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- Use the attached social media graphics, to encourage friends, family members and your social networks to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets in the coming days and weeks.
- Consider hosting a Red Cross blood drive. If you know of someone who is willing to sponsor a blood drive, please ask them to submit their information at RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
- If you are a member of a local community organization, please consider sharing an email message with the group encouraging them to give now.
Thank you for your support,
Luca Calvani – He/Him
Community Disaster Program Manager – Worcester & Franklin Counties
American Red Cross of Massachusetts
Cell: 774-261-0581 | 24/7: 800-564-1234
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