The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage due to extreme heat and summer travel, with the national blood supply dropping by over 25% since July 1. Blood donors, especially those with type O, are urgently needed.
July’s extreme heat affected over 100 blood drives nationwide, resulting in a shortfall of over 19,000 donations. Hospital demand remains high, with blood products, particularly type O, being used faster than they are donated. Type O blood is crucial for trauma patients and emergencies.
Dr. Eric Gehrie from the Red Cross emphasizes the need for type O positive and negative blood to ensure hospitals can adequately care for patients. To help, donors of all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Those who donate blood, platelets, or plasma from August 1-31, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card as a thank-you. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
