Red Cross Needs Blood Donations

(Undated) — The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. According to the Red Cross, its national blood inventory plummeted more than 25% in July. They say this summer’s record-setting heat is a significant contributor, further compounding other typical seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as vacation travel and summer activities. Meanwhile, hospital demand for lifesaving blood products has remained constant. They say every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. They say blood and platelets cannot be manufactured. They can only come from volunteer donors, and the blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. Learn more about the donation process and where you can donate at redcrossblood.org.