Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Over the last three

months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000blood products more than expected to meet these needs, significantly decreasing our national blood supply.

As retired Red Crossers, you know that Red Cross is working around the clock to meet the extraordinary blood needs of hospitals and patients. But particularly during the Summer, meeting patient needs can be difficult. Patients who delayed elective surgery because of the pandemic in addition to emergency patient blood needs are straining the current blood supply. Red Cross needs all blood donors. All blood types are needed, particularly type O, as well as platelets, to help ensure patients get the care they need.

Please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible. You can make an appointment by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

Watch this video about the Summer Blood Shortage

Click here for answers concerning COVID 19 and blood and platelet donations