American Red Cross issues emergency call for donations

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations for the summer months.

Liz Jordan, a donor recruitment representative with Red Cross, said while there’s always a need for more donations, she has never actually seen an emergency call put out.

The American Red Cross said every two seconds blood and platelets are needed to respond to emergencies.

Right now, nationwide, the blood supply is extremely low.

“Typically in the summer we do see lower donations, a lower percentage of donations because of summer activities, people are on vacation, and so on and so forth,” Jordan said. “And also, schools being out. High school students and college students are 25 percent of our donor population.”

On average, the Red Cross needs to collect about 14,000 donations every day to accommodate patient needs. Jordan said right now, they’re just not seeing that.

“We typically like to have at least a five day supply for hospital needs at all times and we’re not where we need to be,” Jordan said. “This summer we run the risk of being about 39,000 units short for hospital patients.”

Jordan said each person who donates a pint of blood can help up to three patients.

Donors live Stihl Quayle said it’s well worth their time to donate.

“I’ve only spent an hour here today and an hour out of my week’s time, that’s not very much,” Quayle said. “I mean I spend an hour on my phone more a day than anything so it’s not that difficult or time consuming.”

The Red Cross said they also need more businesses and organizations to sponsor blood drives.

The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites to allow for more donors to make an appointment.

To schedule an appointment to donate or sponsor a drive, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.