THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SAYS IT IS EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY BLOOD SHORTAGE AS THE NATION FACES DANGEROUS LEVELS OF HEAT AND PEOPLE HEAD OUT FOR FINAL SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS.
SINCE JULY 1ST, THE RED CROSS NATIONAL BLOOD SUPPLY HAS FALLEN BY MORE THAN 25%, AND BLOOD DONORS OF ALL TYPES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH TYPE O BLOOD, ARE URGED TO GIVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO HELP PATIENTS RECEIVE LIFESAVING MEDICAL CARE.
THE RED CROSS SAYS THE HEAT IMPACTED ALMOST 100 BLOOD DRIVES IN JULY IN NEARLY EVERY STATE WHERE THE RED CROSS COLLECTS BLOOD.
THAT COMBINED WITH TRAVEL AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTED TO A SHORTFALL OF MORE THAN 19,000 BLOOD DONATIONS IN JULY.
TYPE O INVENTORY IS SO LOW, DISTRIBUTIONS OF THIS VITAL BLOOD TYPE ARE CURRENTLY REDUCED BELOW WHAT HOSPITALS COUNT ON.
THE RED CROSS SAYS THOSE WHO DONATE BLOOD IN AUGUST WILL RECEIVE A $20-DOLLAR AMAZON.COM GIFT CARD BY EMAIL.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, DOWNLOAD THE RED CROSS BLOOD DONOR APP, VISIT REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG OR CALL 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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