Significant shortages impact U.S. blood supply

America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are issuing a critical nationwide appeal for blood and platelet donors. The nation’s blood supply has reached a detrimental low inventory level, thus urging the blood community to encourage individuals throughout the U.S. to schedule an appointment to donate today.

“Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is critical to the nation’s public health and a priority for the medical community,“ said Miriam A. Markowtiz, CEO of AABB. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is indispensable and required in the treatment of millions of patients, including individuals with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, patients undergoing organ transplants and trauma victims.”

Summer has become a difficult season to keep the blood supply adequate because of vacation time and most schools being out of session, according to officials. Regardless of the time of year, the need for blood remains constant and patients will always depend on the generosity of donors of all blood types to meet that need.

Eligible donors are encouraged to give blood by contacting one of the following associations:

• AABB: www.aabb.org
• America’s Blood Centers : 1-888-USBLOOD (1-888-872-5663); www.AmericasBlood.org
• American Red Cross: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767); www. Redcrossblood.org
• Blood Bank of Delmarva: 1-888-BLOOD-8; www.Delmarvablood.org; Blood Bank of Delmarva is the primary source of blood and blood products for all the hospitals on the Peninsula.