Red Cross Faces Worst Blood Shortage in 10 Years, Asks Organizations to Host Drives
The American Red Cross (redcross.org) is asking local businesses, organizations, or faith communities to consider working with them to host a blood drive. They are currently facing the worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.
When choosing to host a blood drive, you only need to provide a large open room with enough space to ensure donor privacy; volunteers for recruiting, scheduling, and supporting donors; and the donors themselves. The Red Cross will provide planning assistance, recruitment tools, equipment and supplies, and trained staff to collect donations. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about donating or hosting a drive.
The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts.