Red Cross Now Offering Amazon Gift Cards During Emergency Blood Shortage
Emergency Blood Shortage: Red Cross Supply Drops 25%
August 5, 2024 — The American Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations as the nation battles dangerous heat and gears up for end-of-summer travel. Since July 1, the Red Cross's national blood supply has plummeted by over 25%, putting patients' lives at risk. Blood donors of all types, particularly those with type O blood, are urgently needed to ensure hospitals can continue providing critical care.
Donors Urged to Give as Extreme Heat, Travel Plans Threaten Already Low Blood Levels
July's relentless heat impacted nearly 100 blood drives across the states where the Red Cross collects blood. This, coupled with the usual summer dip in donations due to travel and recreational activities, has resulted in a shortfall of more than 19,000 donations. Meanwhile, the demand for blood products remains high, with hospitals using up supplies faster than they are being replenished. The situation is particularly dire for type O blood, with inventory levels so low that distributions have had to be reduced.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, Executive Physician Director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
The Red Cross is working tirelessly with hospitals to meet the urgent blood needs of patients but cannot succeed without public support. To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by Email for Donating in August
As a gesture of gratitude, those who donate blood, platelets, or plasma from August 1-31, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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