Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross issues urgent appeal to blood donors



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Monday, July 9, 2018

GoLocalProv News Team

An urgent blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to make an urgent appeal for eligible donors of all blood types – especially the type O – now and help save lives.

The Red Cross intensified its appeal to blood and platelet donors after a difficult week for donations. More than 550 blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week only during a typical week, while people across the country celebrated their holidays and took advantage of the summer activities. This equates to 15,000 fewer donations than necessary, so donations are now being distributed to hospitals faster than they receive them.

"Every day, people across the country depend on blood donations and platelets so it's essential that people give immediately to meet those needs," said Cliff Numark, Senior Vice President, Health Services. Red Cross and blood. "That you have never given or donated a few times a year, you must give as soon as possible to help save the lives of patients.You can count on the gift on which a patient counts."

This Need is particularly important for type O blood donors. Type O is the most popular blood group and often the first to be used in hospital shelves during a shortage. Type O negative is the universal type of blood and what the emergency room staff reaches when there is no time to determine the type of blood of the patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood group and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any type of blood.

How to Help

To make an appointment, use the free Red Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-700) 2767). The Red Cross has added about 6,500 additional appointment slots at community donation centers and community blood drives in the coming weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and the completion of a RapidPbad online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time that must be given.

Or contact the Blood HERE RI

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