Red Cross Issues Emergency Call For Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donations to address an extremely low summer blood supply.

The Red Cross says blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations that what's needed.

They say there's also a significant shortage of the overall Red Cross blood supply.

“Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations,” said Patty Corvaia, communications manager of the New York-Penn Blood Services Region.

“Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It’s the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs.”

To schedule an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.rog.