The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help offset a seasonal decline in donations and prevent a shortage this summer by giving blood.
During June, July and August, there are about two fewer donors than needed at each Red Cross blood drive. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session, and vacation schedules can make regular donors less available – both contributing to the seasonal decline.
Donors of all blood types – especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and supplies critical proteins for clotting immunity. It is often needed for burn, trauma and cancer patients.
To make an appointment to give blood at the leaders save lives blood drive on July 22nd from 8 am – 2:30 pm at the Redcross blood center (1300 28th Street South) call The American Red Cross at 403-0956 or signup online at http://www.redcrossblood.org zip code 59405. All presenting donors will receive a special American Red Cross tshirt.
