Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross supply down 25%

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) – The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage with their blood supply down by 25%.

Blood donors of all types – especially those with type O blood – are being urged to donate blood that will help patients in need of medical care.

The Red Cross warned the nationwide summer heat wave impacted more than 100 blood drives last month.

Hospital need for blood donations is high, but the Red Cross is down by 19,000 blood donations – creating a dangerous need.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, said in a statement. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

Donors who give blood,  platelets or plasma during the month of August will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift car by email.

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To make an appointment, donors can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App , visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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