On July 11, the American Red Cross announced a critically low blood supply across the nation and is now appealing to all donors to help with the cause.
During May and June, demand for blood products remained steady while donations were at the lowest levels the Red Cross has seen in over a dozen years. Some causes for this shortage include: donors are busy traveling, school is out of session, and the heat has been particular bad across the United States.
“A lot of people just don’t want to get out in it [the heat],” local donor recruitment representative Brittany Hughes said.
Because of this, the Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever. Over the past three months, the organization has responded to more than 40 major disasters across more than 30 states.
“This has been an especially busy year for the Red Cross, as we’ve given help and hope to people affected by deadly tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other storms,” said Shaun Gilmore, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services.
In addition to providing disaster relief both nationally and abroad, lifesaving skills training, and communication between U.S. military members and their families, the Red Cross also provides blood to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers, covering over 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.
Anyone interested in donating blood, sponsoring a blood drive or becoming a volunteer, call or visit the American Red Cross Donors Center at 25 Tibet Avenue, (912) 961-5758.
The Donors Center’s office hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The next blood drive scheduled outside of the American Red Cross Donors Center will take place Aug. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital, 5353 Reynolds Avenue.
Anyone outside of the Savannah region who would like to donate blood, sponsor a blood drive, or volunteer may call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
In addition to blood, platelet donations are always at a constant need due to their short shelf life of a few days. Platelet donations are primarily used to help cancer victims undergoing chemo-therapy. Anyone interested in receiving more information or finding out if they’re eligible to donate may call or visit the American Red Cross Donors Center at 25 Tibet Avenue, (912) 961-5758.