As the pandemic continues to spread across the US…
Blood banks have seen an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations and may soon face a blood shortage if Americans do not turn “out in force to give blood.” And that would be devastating for millions of other patients.
In the US alone, around 4.5 million Americans will require a blood transfusion each year. Yet only 37 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood and less than 10 percent do.
Blood transfusions are used in a number of life-saving procedures, from women suffering pregnancy complications to cancer patients and victims of a car crash.
Meanwhile, nearly 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country because of concerns surrounding the plague, resulting in 86,000 fewer blood donations.
Representatives from the organization believe that the number of cancellations will continue to increase and could impact patients who need life-saving transfusions.
Now, blood banks around the country are asking that healthy individuals donate blood.
Donating blood is one of the most important things people can do right now during this public health emergency. There are patients who need blood and cannot wait.
So don’t hesitate, give your blood and save some lives. So those in the US interested in donating blood can contact the following organizations:
- AABB: www.aabb.org; +1.301.907.6977
- America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org
- American Red Cross: www.redcrossblood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)
- Armed Services Blood Program: www.militaryblood.dod.mil; +1.703.681.8024
Thank you and stay safe!
