The American Red Cross is urging residents to donate blood and platelets as the organization enters a period when donations traditionally decline while demand remains constant.
Michael Tedesco of the American Red Cross said summer schedules often make it harder to maintain a stable blood supply.
“Typically people will schedule vacations during the summer months, a lot of other activities,” Tedesco said. “People try to cram a lot into the summer, and sometimes the regular blood donation may slip to the side during that period.”
The seasonal decline comes as the Red Cross continues to supply a significant portion of the nation’s blood inventory.
“The American Red Cross, if you didn’t know, actually provides 40% that’s pretty close to half of the nation’s blood supply,” Tedesco said.
According to Tedesco, the need for blood remains steady regardless of the season.
Tedesco noted that every two seconds someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion and that many hospital patients depend on donated blood during treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer.
The organization says it is especially seeking donors with Type O-negative blood, often referred to as the universal blood type.
“Type O negative, as many might know, is called the universal blood type,” Tedesco said. “When a person is rushed to a hospital with a trauma injury and there’s no time to do a blood type on that individual, type O negative is the blood they reach for.”
The Red Cross is also emphasizing the need for platelet donations, which are critical for cancer patients and others undergoing treatment for blood disorders.
“Platelets only last about five days, so they need to be used up within that window,” Tedesco said.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for eligible donors. Through the end of May, donors can receive a Red Cross beach towel while supplies last. Beginning in June, donors will be eligible for a $15 e-gift card and entry into a national drawing for one of two $7,500 gift cards.
Residents can find donation opportunities and schedule appointments through the Red Cross blood donation website.
