American Red Cross Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donors

A shortage of blood products has caused the American Red Cross to issue a plea for all eligible blood donors to consider donating this summer.

According to a press release from the American Red Cross, the supply of readily available blood products held on hand has reached emergency levels, half of what they were at this time last year.

"An unseasonably early start to spring may be a contributing factor to this year’s decrease in donations. Many regular donors got an early start on summer activities and aren’t taking time to give blood or platelets," the release said, in explanation of why reserves are low.

The July 4th holiday falling on a Wednesday has also limited the amount of scheduled Red Cross blood drives, the release said. In addition, this year’s mid-week Independence Day holiday has reduced the number of scheduled Red Cross blood drives due to vacations.

Donors with O positive, O negative and A negative blood types are specially needed, but all blood types are needed, the release said.

To see a list of blood drives happening in the area, and to view information on donation requirements, visit www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood.