(Media release from the American Red Cross, Georgia Region):
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
“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 with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 5-31:
Bartow
Cartersville
8/22/2024: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bartow County College and Career Academy, 738 Grassdale Road
8/27/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cartersville Civic Ctr., 435 West Main Street
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Chattahoochee
Cusseta
8/22/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Chattahoochee County High School, 360 Highway 26
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Floyd
Rome
8/6/2024: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Westminister Presbyterian Church, 1941 Shorter Ave
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Gordon
Calhoun
8/26/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church Calhoun, 205 East Line Street
Fairmount
8/19/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fairmount Community Center, 11921 Fairmount Hwy SE
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Polk
Cedartown
8/5/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 144 Essex St.
