Emergency blood and platelet shortage: Red Cross supplies drop to lowest post-summer levels since 2015

This is serious. 

Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage of its national blood inventory, especially type O, and platelets. In fact, the supply is at the lowest level for this time of year since 2015.

 

In order to keep up with hospital demand and ensure that patient care isn’t disrupted, we need your help. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are needed to make an appointment to donate in the days and weeks to come to help make a lifesaving difference to those patients in need.

 

Here are 3 easy ways YOU can help make a lifesaving difference today:

 

1.    Make an appointment to give blood or platelets. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

2.    Bring a friend! Ask a friend to join you and make a regular appointment to donate together.

3.    Spread the word! Let your family and friends know there is an emergency shortage and encourage them to donate, too.

 

As our way of saying ‘thanks’ to all those who come in to donate, you’ll receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. Terms and conditions apply; see rcblood.org/zax for more details.

 

There are lots of scary things to think about this upcoming Halloween, don’t let a blood shortage be one of them. Help the Red Cross meet the emergency need by rolling up a sleeve and donating blood & platelets today!