It’s an urgent situation when your car runs out of gas. But it’s a crisis when hospital blood bank shelves are empty. The American Red Cross is urging donors of all blood types, especially type O donors and platelet donors, to make an appointment now to help refuel the blood supply.
The Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood supply. There is great hospital demand for blood as patients who previously deferred care during the COVID-19 pandemic present with more advanced disease progression and require increased blood transfusions. Unfortunately, as a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.
Don’t wait. Donate.
With hospital demand for blood products outpacing donations, more donors are needed immediately. During summer and especially around holidays like Independence Day, blood and platelet donations traditionally decline. However, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel. The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break.
All blood types are needed now, particularly type O, as well as platelets. Please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Two reasons to give in July:
- A $10 Gift Card & a chance to win big: Help pump up the Red Cross blood supply July 7-31 and the Red Cross will send you a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Plus you’ll get a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). Terms and conditions apply. Click for details.
- Thrilling fun: Come to give in July and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm. Terms and conditions apply. Get more details.
Together we can help refuel the blood supply for patients in need. Give now.
No wait needed after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine: As long as you are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. Additional blood and platelet donation eligibility information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.
Don’t wait – make your appointment to donate. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Red Cross Central California Blog 