The American Red Cross has issued a plea for blood as the country’s blood inventory has been depleted to dangerously low levels.
“The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise, and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients,” American Red Cross officials said.
Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits as well as overdoses and resulting transplants, officials said. Since 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb 10 percent, more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.
The city of Clarkson will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Monday. The blood drive will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Clarkson City Hall and Community Center at 213 Millerstown Street.
“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Cyndi Dahl, regional donor services executive of the Red Cross Kentucky Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”
For anyone who can’t make the Clarkson blood drive, schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood now. As a thank-you, those who give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
