Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage

The nation is facing an emergency blood shortage and the American Red Cross is working to strengthen the blood supply by offering multiple donation opportunities across the Coast.

Blood donations have dropped 25 percent since the end of June, creating a growing gap between the supply of blood and the needs of hospital patients.

Officials say the shortage is especially critical for ‘O’ positive and ‘B’ negative blood types, while summer schedules and the loss of school blood drives have made it more difficult to keep the nation’s supply replenished.

Officials with our local Red Cross chapter say rebuilding the blood supply starts with donors and every appointment can make a difference for patients across the country. Red Cross Volunteer Specialist Hayden Hoffman said, “Mississippi specifically we’re about 200 donors shorter than we are normally these times of months due to traveling, it’s very hot outside, and people aren’t very focused on donating blood but it’s extremely important. One car accident can require up to 100 units of blood and one person donating is only one unit of blood. With that one donation you have the potential to save up to three people. So, being 200 short during this time can potentially be up to 500 people that aren’t being helped. A lot of people aren’t sure if they can donate or not, so come in and talk to us or your doctor. If you don’t want to donate blood, you can always come volunteer.”

To help boost donations, the Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to schedule an appointment. Anyone who gives blood before July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email as a thank you.