Critical Blood Shortage Prompts Emergency Call For Donors

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives. There are multiple blood donation opportunities in Summit coming up through the month of July.

Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days.

“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Alana Mauger, external communications manager for the Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed as soon as possible.”

How to Help

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 5-25

Summit

• July 17 2 to 7 p.m., American Red Cross, 695 Springfield Ave.
• July 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., In Honor of Max Blood Drive, Wilson Primary Center, 14 Beekman Terrace

(Image via American Red Cross)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.