Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, but there continues to be a critical summer blood shortage. Eligible donors of all types are urgently needed. As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross July 26 through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard™
After issuing the emergency call, the Red Cross has experienced a 30 percent increase in blood donation appointments through mid-July. About half of the appointments were scheduled by donors using the free Blood Donor App or at redcrossblood.org. Despite this improvement, blood products are still being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, so more donations are needed to meet patient needs and replenish the blood supply.
“The blood supply is like a cell phone battery, it constantly needs recharging,” stated Rodney Wilson, communications manager of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives and encourage those who haven’t to consider rolling up a sleeve and give the gift of life. It only takes about an hour but can mean a lifetime for patients.”
Nearly 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed were given through the Red Cross in May and June, prompting the emergency call for donations in early July. The shortfall was the equivalent of the Red Cross not receiving any blood donations for more than four days.
How to help
To schedule an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Boone County
Lebanon
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Aug. 25, Bane-Welker Equipment, 1300 100 S.
Zionsville
2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Aug. 21, Salem United Methodist Church, 6701 S. 775 East
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Hamilton County
Carmel
9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aug. 12, Hazel Dell Christian Church, 14501 Hazel Dell Pkwy
Fishers
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., July 29, Fishers YMCA, 9012 East 126th St.
