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The American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood crisis in its history -- and patients may already be feeling the impact. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this summer's emergency shortage. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.
All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distribution of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now fallen below a one-day supply.
There's also an emergency platelet shortage. Nearly half of all platelet transfusions are given to patients battling cancer. Without platelets, many lifesaving cancer treatments must be delayed.
A readily available blood and platelet supply is the backbone of modern medicine. Just three more donors at each blood drive or donation center this summer can end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Tessie Amaranto
Executive director, American Red Cross Chestnut Ridge and Allegheny Mountains Chapter