HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The American Red Cross continues to face a critical blood shortage even after issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors in early July.
After issuing the emergency call, the Red Cross has experienced a 30 percent increase in blood donation appointments through mid-July. About half of the appointments were scheduled by donors using the free Blood Donor App or at the Red Cross website. Despite this improvement, blood products are still being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, so more donations are needed to meet patient needs and replenish the blood supply.
Eligible donors of all types are urged to give now. says Todd Kulman, External Communications Manager for the American Red Cross in Michigan.
“The American Red Cross nationally needs about 14,000 blood donations every single day for patients. In Michigan we need anywhere between 1,000 and 1,200 blood donations every single day. We have a blood emergency and we again are still trying to recover. 61,000 donations shortfall in the month of May and June. That’s getting pretty serious.”
Those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross July 26 through Aug. 31st will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard™.
Find a donation site near you right here by simply entering your zip code. In Holland the next Red Cross Blood Drive is Friday, July 28th, at Holland Hospital from 10-3:45 p.m.
