The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage. Red Cross officials say blood donations are being distributed faster than they are coming in, and the supply has fallen below the five-day level the Red Cross tries to maintain. The organization says all types of blood are needed, but there’s a particular need for type O.
Blood and Platelet Shortage Has Reached a Critical Level, Donors Needed
Recent severe weather conditions have resulted in multiple blood drive cancellations, causing the Red Cross to declare that the blood and platelet shortage has reached a critical level.
According to a press release from the organization, no matter the weather is like, every day the Red Cross has to collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations to help meet the needs of patients. Due to the winter weather conditions in January, more than 550 blood drives were forced to cancel causing over 16,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.
Red Cross Communications Manager Rodney Wilson said currently, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they’re coming in. Continue reading
Miller’s Merry Manor to Host Blood Drive Tomorrow
Miller’s Merry Manor will be doing their part to help combat the nation-wide blood shortage by hosting a blood drive at their Plymouth facility this Wednesday.
The facility will be hosting the South Bend Medical Foundation Blood Drive from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. ET tomorrow. You can schedule an appointment online by visiting givebloodnow.com. Continue reading
Red Cross Blood Mobile will be at Culver Middle/High School Thursday + Additional January Opportunities
The Red Cross Blood Mobile will be stationed at Culver Middle/High School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11th.
If you’re unable to attend Thursday’s blood drive, or if you wish to make multiple donations in January, there are a few other local opportunities available this month.
The Red Cross has a blood drive scheduled at the Community Wellness Center of Winamac, formerly the Pulaski County YMCA, from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12th. Continue reading