The American Red Cross is calling all people to consider donating blood amid an emergency blood shortage.
According to the Red Cross, the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June, a problem that usually arises in the summer months. Blood donors are urgently needed to help patients receive the life-saving medical care that they need, officials with the nonprofit said.
“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”
The shortage is especially serious for blood types B negative and O positive, so anyone with either of those blood types is urged to donate.
“A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need,” the Red Cross said in a press release. “Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season.”
As a way of thanks, the Red Cross is offering a free movie ticket from Fandango to anyone who donates blood between now and July 31. To donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org and book an appointment at a location near you.
