Red Cross Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is sending out an emergency call for blood and platelets.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations have fallen short of what the agency has needed for the past several months and that has resulted in about 39,000 fewer donations than what is needed, as well as a significant draw down of the overall Red Cross blood supply.

Also, the Red Cross said that the Independence Day holiday may have caused many regular donors to postpone donations due to vacation plans.

As a result, the agency is urging all eligible donors to give now to replenish an extremely low summer blood supply.

Southern Blood Services Director of Donor Recruitment Mario Sedlock said the Red Cross is distributing blood products to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.

Sedlock said donations are needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets to the American Red Cross, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood. Also, those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent in most states.