Red Cross Blood Supply Drops To Critically Low Levels

The American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donors to roll up a sleeve and address a critical shortage across the nation. Many donors are busy or traveling, school is out of session and donations have dropped dramatically. In May and June, while demand for blood products remained steady, donations were at their lowest level the Red Cross has seen during this time period in more than a decade. The Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient. The Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters across more than 30 states over the past three months and is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit people to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of ID when you come to donate. Eligible blood donors are asked to call Townsquare Media at (509)972-3461 and make an appoointment for the "Bleed Red" blood drive happening Friday 7/15.