SUMMER WARNING: Blood and platelet donors now needed

The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood and platelet donors as a troubling trend has been observed over the past month: fewer donors are rolling up their sleeves to give life-saving blood. In fact, about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected last month than are needed to maintain the Red Cross’s national blood supply.

Schedule a donation now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Severe weather and record travel volumes in May led to a decline in blood donations. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), this month saw five of the busiest travel days ever, and more record travel is expected throughout the season — a busy time when many regular donors may not be able to donate. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what the AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of the summer in terms of car crashes, it is critical that hospitals stock lifesaving blood products for all trauma and accident victims who need blood transfusions when there is no time to waste. In some of the most dire situations, medical teams may need to use hundreds of blood products to save a life.

Help build blood supply

The Red Cross has partnered with Tetris, creators of the iconic video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and expand the blood supply for patients in need. To commemorate this, anyone who answers the call for help from May 20 to June 9, 2024 will receive an exclusive Tetris® + Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last and will automatically be entered into a drawing for a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris.

Pajitnov, who recently donated blood for the first time, says now is the time to help patients by continuing to play. “I think it’s very important not only to talk about people sticking together and helping each other, but also to do it with real actions, and that’s exactly what I tried to do this time. So, play Tetris and donate blood!”

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enable the Blood Donor skill on any Alexa Echo device to schedule an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure reliable patient care. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent if allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health can donate blood. High school students and other donors ages 18 and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time on their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their screening and medical history questionnaire online on the day of donation before coming to the drive. First, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the blood donation app.

Submitted by Marilyn Jimenez Davila

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