NORFOLK – The American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage and has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now to replenish the blood supply.
According to a release form the American Red Cross, the call for donations comes after a difficult July 4th week for donations when hundreds of fewer blood drives were organized by volunteer hosts than a typical week. This compounded with a shortfall of more than 24,000 blood donations in June.
About 450 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week than during a typical week as people across the country celebrated the holiday with activities and travel. This led to about 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed for patients in a single week, causing the Red Cross to now have less than a three-day supply of most blood types available – and less than a two-day supply of type O blood – for patients. At least a five-day supply is desired.
Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to donate using the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.
Those interested in hosting a blood drive can learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive this summer by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Upcoming area community blood drives:
Tuesday, July 9: Allen Community Blood Drive from 2 – 5:15 p.m. at the Allen Fire Hall (2nd & Harrison)
Wednesday, July 10: Wynot Community Blood Drive from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at Cedar Security Insurance (414 St. James Ave.)
Monday, July 15: Hartington Community Blood Drive from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall (206 East Main Street)
Tuesday, July 16: Pender Community Blood Drive from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Pender Community Center (614 Main St. Suite 3)
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 9-31
For more information, visit redcrossblood.org or call 402-321-3576. Also, like Red Cross Blood on Facebook and follow on Red Cross Blood MW on Twitter.