Red Cross asks for blood donations during emergency shortage

Last week, the American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage. In June, the national blood supply dropped about 25% and hospital need increased by about 3,500 units a week. 

“We need you to come give blood,” said Suzanne Lawler with the Red Cross’s Central Georgia chapter. “You’re helping people living with cancer, people living with sickle cell. We’re in the deadliest 100 days of the trauma season right now.”

The trauma season, according to the Red Cross, is the time between Memorial and Labor Day when the need to treat serious injuries often increases. Lawler said it’s not uncommon for a trauma patient to need 100 units, or pints, of blood. That amounts to a donation from 100 people. 

All blood types are needed, but the Red Cross is especially looking for O positive and B negative blood types.  

Rick Treptow has been giving blood since the 1970s while he was in college. He doesn’t do a lot of work in the community but gives when he has the time to give.

He encouraged people anxious about giving blood to try and overcome their nerves.

“Everybody should do it,” Treptow said. “It doesn’t take much time.” 

If you can’t give blood, Lawler said to encourage your friends to donate. 

The Red Cross at 6080 Lakeside Commons Drive hosts a blood drive every Friday. You can also visit redcrossblood.org and type in your ZIP code to find a list of local blood drives.

The Red Cross is also offering a Fandango movie ticket for donating blood until July 31.