VALDOSTA – The American Red Cross has a critical shortage of type O blood and urges type O donors to give now to ensure blood is available for patients in need of lifesaving treatments or facing traumas.
In April, the Red Cross collected approximately 11,500 fewer type O blood donations than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply as spring break schedules and end of the school year activities contributed to a low turnout of blood donors.
Right now, on any given day, the Red Cross has less than two-day supply of type O blood available for emergency rooms, where it can be most critical. Type O blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in. More donations are needed to help ensure hospitals are ready the moment an injured patient arrives.
You can help now:
- Use the
Blood
Donor App, visit
RedCrossBlood.org
or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your blood or platelet donation appointment.
- As a thank you for helping meet patient needs, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross May 1-June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.
- Reference the attached talking points, online guide and social media graphic to encourage friends, family members and your social networks to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets this month.
- Consider hosting a Red Cross blood drive this summer. If you know of someone who is willing to sponsor a blood drive, please ask them to submit their information at RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
