Red Cross still encouraging donations amdist national blood supply crisis

The American Red Cross says the ongoing national blood supply crisis deepens “an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country.”

“We like to keep at least a three-day supply on hand,” said Red Cross Account Manager Lou Zimmerman. “At one point on Os, we got down to a half-day supply, so basically one-sixth of what we need on hand.”

The Red Cross says blood donations often see a dip in summer, but further strains on the blood supply resulted from a decrease in donations due to extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses.

Zimmerman says the average donation visit takes less than an hour. As an added incentive, donors between now and August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

“Please come on out and join us,” Zimmerman said. “The blood supply is very low. Like we said, it’s only the second time that the Red Cross has ever declared a blood crisis. All blood types are needed, especially O.”

Visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information on donating or to schedule an appointment. Appointments may also be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or in the Blood Donor app.