During the Fourth of July week, fewer blood drives
are held across the country and many blood donors are away enjoying vacations. This
creates a difficult situation for the blood supply, and the American Red Cross
is facing an emergency need for blood and platelet donors after a significant
shortfall in blood donations during the Independence Day holiday week and
ongoing challenges finding new blood donors.
Right
now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types
available – and less than a two-day supply of type O blood. Blood donations are
currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
More donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply.
Eligible individuals are urged to give now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this summer.
Who needs blood
Blood from generous volunteer donors helps families like the
Jolliffes. In February 2018, Meghan Jolliffe suffered an amniotic fluid
embolism. During childbirth her heart stopped beating for 14 minutes, resulting
in the need for an emergency cesarean section. Her organs began to shut down,
and her blood would not clot. Meghan received nearly 100 units of blood within
a seven-hour period during her procedures. The doctors were able to stop the
bleeding and stabilize Meghan’s condition. Over the next several days, Meghan
underwent five surgeries, dialysis and more to repair the damage to her body.
Meanwhile, after her
son Sullivan was delivered, he went without oxygen for seven minutes. Doctors
performed a process called therapeutic hypothermia, or whole-body cooling, to
preserve his neurological function, and he also received several units of
blood. In all, Meghan and Sullivan received 109 units of blood.
“My family and I are
forever grateful for the generosity of Red Cross volunteer blood donors,” said
Meghan. “Donating blood is so important. You or a loved one may never need
these lifesaving products, but I can assure you that someone, somewhere will.”
Don’t wait – help now:
1. Make an
appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
2. Let your
friends and family know there is a #BloodEmergency and ask them to give now.
3. Bring
someone to donate with you.
Blood
transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the U.S.,
and these blood products can only come from volunteer donors. Yet, only 3 out
of 100 people in the U.S. give blood. It’s crucial that the Red Cross has a
sufficient blood supply on hand to meet the needs of patients every day and to
be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood
products.
Please
make an appointment to give now.
