The American Red Cross is reporting a severe blood shortage, with the national supply dropping by 35% as hospital requests continue to outpace available donations.
According to the Red Cross, a surge in flu cases may be keeping potential donors away from donation centers, while winter weather is also hampering efforts as many opt to stay off the roads and indoors. These factors have slowed the national effort to rebuild the critical blood supply.
The Red Cross is urgently asking all healthy individuals to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment. Donors can book appointments through the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Locally, a blood drive will be held at Blue Point Baptist Church, northwest of Cisne, on Tuesday, February 17th, from Noon to 6 p.m. As an added incentive, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card redeemable at their choice of merchant.
The Red Cross reminds the public that blood donations are essential for saving lives, especially during shortages, and encourages eligible donors to step forward and help meet the urgent need.