Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage

ByLocal Sources Reading Time: 1 minute

The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June, with platelets and types O positive and B negative in especially short supply.

Red Cross distributions to hospitals are running nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, as trauma season demand collides with a seasonal drop-off in blood drives and donor turnout. Dr. Courtney Lawrence, the Red Cross’s medical director, warned that emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units could all be affected if the shortage isn’t reversed, along with delays for cancer patients.

Anyone who donates between July 13-31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket (up to $15) by email as a thank-you. Appointments can be booked via the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Dubois County donation opportunities:

  • Ferdinand — July 15, 1-6 p.m., YMCA-Ferdinand, 131 E 16th Street
  • Jasper — July 14, 1-6 p.m., Jasper Parklands, 800 W 15th St
  • Jasper — July 24, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Memorial Hospital Medical Arts Building, 721 West 13th Street
  • Jasper — July 27, 1-6 p.m., Jasper Library, 100 3rd Avenue, Suite B
  • Jasper — July 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dubois County Health Department, 1187 S St Charles St
  • Huntingburg — July 28, 2-6 p.m., VFW Post 2366, 314 Geiger Street
Share