St. Paul, Minn - The American Red Cross has reached emergency levels in its blood supply. The agency put out a call for help this morning. It says 50,000 fewer people donated in June than normal. The shortfall has left the Red Cross with half the available blood products on hand compared to this time last year.
An unseasonably warm spring may be a contributing factor. Many regular donors may have been enjoying the weather instead of giving blood or platelets. The Red Cross says since the Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week, many scheduled blood drives are reduced.
All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative.
The CEO of the American Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region, Geoff Kauffmann says, "We need donors to make appointments in the coming days and weeks to help us ensure that all patient blood needs can be met. Each pint of whole blood can help save more than one life."
Individuals interested in donating must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Those interested in donating can contact the Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.
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