American Red Cross has emergency need for blood donations

The American Red Cross has an emergency need for lifesaving blood amid the ongoing severe blood shortage, says American Red Cross of Georgia Regional Communications manager Ruby Ramirez.

Ramirez says The Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and is urging eligible donors of all types to give now and help avoid delays in life-saving medical care for patients this summer.

More donations are needed to replenish the blood supply and help address the extraordinary blood needs of hospitals and patients right now.

She says “Be a hero to a patient in need.”

Use the blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment to help save lives.

The Red Cross has been distributing about 12% more blood products to hospitals across the U.S. compared to this time last year.

The Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet the current hospital demand and end the severe blood shortage.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O, which stands at just a one-day supply right now.

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in.

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