Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to help prevent a shortage of blood products this January.
Officials say that during November and December about 1,700 fewer blood drives held, and 50,000 less donations collected, than the two previous months.
Blood and platelet donors of all types in South Carolina are needed to reverse the declining supply and help ensure blood products continue to be available, officials say.
Blood and platelets are often needed to respond to emergencies large and small, including the personal ones that occur in communities across the country every day involving accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
You can make an appointment by visiting the Red Cross Blood Donor App, redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
