From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.
According to the American Red Cross, the decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink by nearly 20 percent in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.
“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” Red Cross senior vice president of donor services, Paul Sullivan, said. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”
Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
The American Red Cross states, “As blood and platelet donations drop, gas prices have reached all-time highs in the U.S. As a thank-you, all who come to give August 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. In addition, everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Trussville:
- August 4, 2022: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Drive
- August 8, 2022: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Trussville Community at Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Rd.
- August 10, 2022: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., SPOC Automation, Inc., 7363 Gadsden Hwy
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance itself wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers, and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.