July 12, 2016
The nation's blood supply is at 'significantly low' levels.
The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross jointly urged the public on Tuesday to donate blood and platelets.
“Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is critical to the nation’s public health and a priority for the medical community,” said Miriam A. Markowitz, CEO of AABB. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is indispensable and required in the treatment of millions of patients, including individuals with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, patients undergoing organ transplants and trauma victims.”
The Red Cross revealed last week that it is short 39,000 donations than what is needed across the United States.
Blood centers face a challenge during the summer months to maintain an adequate blood supply.
“We urge people to give now to help hospital patients who depend on blood and platelets being available when they need it,” said Chris Hrouda, executive vice president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Summer is one of the most challenging seasons to collect enough blood, but patients need blood no matter what time of year it is.”
Some state laws vary, but individuals who are over the age of 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health are eligible to donate blood. Blood donation centers will also determine your eligibility after an evaluation.
To find a place to donate blood, click the following links: AABB, America’s Blood Centers, American Red Cross.
