From the release:
"The decline in summer donations is causing a significant draw-down of our overall blood supply, and we urgently need people to give now to restock hospital shelves and help save lives," said Shaun Gilmore, president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. "Every day, patients recovering from accidents or those receiving treatments for cancer or blood disorders rely on lifesaving blood products regardless of the season."
The blood shortage is compounded around Independence Day due to many fewer blood drives, which are hosted by volunteer sponsors. With many on vacation, sponsors hold fewer blood drives at their business, place of worship, or community gathering. Nearly 700 fewer blood drives were held the week of July 4th than an average week – That's the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting blood donations at any blood drives for more than an entire day.
Eligible individuals of all blood types are needed to make an appointment to give today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can help even more people by inviting a family member, friend or co-worker to donate too. The Red Cross also advises individuals to complete a RapidPass online health history questionnaire to help speed up the donation process.
Ready to give? Here's a list of local blood drives (as of 7/13/17, 8:00 am):
- Tuesday, July 18, 1:00-7:00 pm, Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department (620 Airport Rd, Tappahannock)
- Thursday, July 20, 1:30-6:30 pm, Warsaw Baptist Church (226 Main St, Warsaw)
- Tuesday, August 1, Noon-6:00pm, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (6807 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville)
- Wednesday, August 16, 2:00-6:00 pm, White Stone Church of the Nazarene (57 Whisk Dr, White Stone)
- Tuesday, August 29, Noon-5:00 pm, Montross Community (72 Lyells St, Montross)
- Thursday, August 31, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Rappahannock General Hospital (101 Harris Dr, Kilmarnock)
H/t to /r/Virginia/ for sharing the news.
