Red Cross Issues Call for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is issuing a call for blood donations to make up for an expected shortfall due to the Fourth of July holiday.

A Red Cross survey shows that more than 40 percent of Red Cross blood and platelet donors plan to travel around July 4th, meaning they may be unavailable to give.

Also, the Red Cross says fewer blood drives are scheduled around the holiday because many hosting organizations postpone blood drives while people are on vacation.

The Red Cross says that blood donors of all types, but especially O negative, A negative, an B negative, along with platelet donors are urged to schedule an appointment.

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.