American Red Cross Issues Call for Summer Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood and platelets this summer to prevent a seasonal shortage.

Red Cross officials said that Memorial Day typically marks the start of a drop in blood and platelet donations over the summer months.

They added that the Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the 15,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

For more information on donating blood or platelets to the American Red Cross, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcrossblood.org, or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.