The American Red Cross has warned that there is a severe blood shortage in the United States because of a recent surge in trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries.
The U.S. News quoted the Red Cross on June 17: “Our teams are working around the clock to meet the extraordinary blood needs of hospitals and patients — distributing about 75,000 more blood products than expected over the past three months to meet demand — but we can’t do it without donors. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services.
Type O is the blood type most urgently needed by hospitals because it is the one most used in transfusions, but all types are welcomed.
Additionally, there is an emergency need for platelets, which help with blood clotting. The Red Cross said that nearly half of those donations are given to patients undergoing cancer treatments.
To help with this crisis, the American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283 is hosting a community blood drive — “We’re all in this together” — from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29 at 15247 La Cruz Drive.
To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor name “Post283” or call the Red Cross at (800) 733-2767. Those donating will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card.
If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, you must know the name of the manufacturer in order to donate. Additionally, the American Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
Only those feeling healthy and well should donate.