September 13th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The American Red Cross national blood supply has fallen to critically low levels—dropping nearly 25%– since early August. Back-to-back months of worsening climate-driven disasters have further strained the blood supply.  The shortage is potentially threatening the medical care of patients with an emergency need for blood, or those living with critical conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease and who depend on lifesaving blood transfusions.  Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood. To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, donors can use the Red Cross Blood App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).