American Red Cross announced this week That the national blood supply has fallen to ‘critically low levels’.
The organization said blood supplies have dropped by about 25% since the beginning of August.
The American Red Cross provides 40% of the country’s blood supply, totaling approximately 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers.
Many factors are causing this shortage.
Climate-related events can cause blood drives to be cancelled, donations to decrease, and other problems. During Hurricane Idalia, more than 700 units of blood could not be collected in the affected area.
The busy travel season and back-to-school activities also contributed to the decline in the number of donors.
Donors of all blood types are needed, but platelets and type O blood are in emergency need.
Blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. You can donate every 56 days. Platelet donors must be 17 years of age or older. For more information on eligibility requirements, Click here,
The Red Cross said more gay men were eligible to donate blood in August. The organization implemented a more inclusive risk-based assessment regardless of sexual orientation. Gay and bisexual men have historically been banned from donating blood.
To take an appointment you can visit RedCrossBlood.orgOr call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
@scrippsnews The American Red Cross says it is in need of blood donations. This week, the organization announced that blood supply has dropped by nearly 25% since the beginning of August. The Red Cross supplies 40% of America’s blood. #blood donation ♬ Original Sound – Scripps News