Red Cross Puts Out Call for Platelet Donations

The American Red Cross said it has an emergency need for eligible donors to make an appointment now to give platelets to ensure critical patient needs are met.

Platelets are the clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment and must be transfused within five days of donation, and therefore, are always in great demand.

According to the American Red Cross, seasonal colds and flu are currently preventing many regular donors from giving and the devastating impact of Hurricane Matthew has disrupted donations in many locations in the Southeast.

That, the Red Cross said, has resulted in more than 3,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

Also, the Red Cross said that while there is an emergency need for platelets, donors can also help by giving blood as there is an urgent need for all blood types.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets to the American Red Cross, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).