Even though thousands of people answer the call, the American Red Cross summer blood shortage continues.
There's a critical blood shortage and all blood types are urgently needed. As a thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets July 26th through August 31st, will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.
After issuing an emergency call in early July, the Red Cross saw a 30% increase in donations through mid-July. But it's not enough.
Natividad Lewis, External Communications Manager with American Red Cross Cascades, says despite the improvement, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals just as fast as donations are coming in, so they need more donations to meet the needs of patients and replenish the blood supply.
About 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed were given in May and June, causing the emergency call in early July. The shortfall was an equivalent of the Red Cross not getting any blood donations for over four days.
Schedule an appointment to donate by using the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).