May 27, 2016 at 12:18 p.m.
Red Cross urges blood and platelet donations during challenging summer months
Donors can choose their day to help save lives during awareness campaign
Red Cross urges blood and platelet donations during challenging summer months
"Many Americans will be celebrating the unofficial start to summer this Memorial Day weekend, but seasonal activities that bring joy to so many can also lead to a shortage of blood and platelet donations when regular donors become busy," Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships for the Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in a press release. "Patients don't get a summer holiday from needing lifesaving blood and platelet donations and are counting on generous volunteers to help maintain a sufficient supply this summer."
To encourage donations around the Memorial Day holiday, those who come to give blood or platelets from May 27-31 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the 14,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. However, during the summer months of June, July and August, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need.
The next Red Cross blood drive in the Rhinelander area will be June 8 at the AmericInn. Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.
Comments:
You must login to comment.