What: The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood
shortage and urges eligible blood and platelet donors to give now.
Why: The Red Cross collected over
21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations during September and October than what
hospitals needed. The shortfall in donations is largely a result
of fewer groups signing up to host blood drives over the last two months.
Additionally, hurricanes Florence and Michael forced thousands of blood and
platelet donations to go uncollected due to widespread blood drive
cancellations that further depleted the blood supply.
How can I help:
1.
Make an
appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED
CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
2.
Let your friends
and family know there is a blood shortage and ask them to #GiveNow. Eligible
donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure the Red Cross can meet
the needs of patients every day and is prepared for emergencies that require
significant volumes of donated blood.
3.
Bring someone
to donate with you.
4.
Host a blood drive this
winter to prevent a prolonged blood shortage.
When: Now. Your
support can help ensure that blood products are there for trauma victims,
premature babies, patients going through cancer treatment and others who rely
on the generosity of volunteer donors.
Jessicca Haveman knows the impact of blood donations, so she gives as often as she can. |
Who
needs blood: Jessicca Haveman needed an emergency cesarean
section to give birth to her daughter. Because her blood was not clotting
normally, Jessicca had to receive three blood transfusions. Today, she is
thankful for the blood products that were available in her time of need, and she
donates to give back.
“I
couldn’t imagine having to go to the hospital and be told my or my child’s life
couldn’t be saved because there is no blood available,” said Jessicca.
Every
day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help
save lives.
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