The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations following a winter holiday shortfall that last left supplies running low.
According to the organization, More than 27,000 fewer donations were made and roughly 1,350 fewer blood drives were held during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's. This has left the Red Cross with a less-than-three-day supply of most blood types, well below the ideal five-day supply that is needed for emergencies and daily needs.
Said Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Biomedical Services:
"Many people may not realize that blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors. When donations decline – as they did around the holidays and may further decline if severe winter weather and flu season pick up – lifesaving medical treatments could be delayed."
All eligible donors (especially those with type O blood) are urged to help restock the shelves in the coming days. You can call the Red Cross at (800) 733-2767 or find a local blood drive here.
