The American Red Cross issued this month an emergency request for blood and platelet donors in response to lower-than-expected June donation numbers.
Nationwide, blood donations were down about 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. The shortfall is similar to what the Red Cross experienced in June 2012.
“We are counting on generous volunteer blood and platelet donors to step up and give now,” said Steve Stegeman, chief executive officer for the Red Cross Pacific Northwest region, in a news release. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need.”
The Red Cross urgently needs donations to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients this summer. There is also an urgent need for platelets — a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
