Blood Donations

To help prevent blood shortages this winter, the American Red Cross is trying a new approach.
 
The Red Cross is calling for winter heroes to host blood drives.

The American Red Cross says there's an urgent need for people to donate blood following the Fourth of July holiday.

The Red Cross says in a statement Monday it's facing an emergency blood shortage because donations lagged during the holiday week.

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for help.

The organization needs blood and platelet donors after 37-thousand fewer donations than expected came in at blood banks across the nation in November and December.

The American Red Cross is urging area residents to donate blood and platelets throughout the rest of the summer.

Red Cross spokesman Joe Zydlo says blood supplies are usually lower in June and early July, but he says they are significantly lower this year...partly due to unfortunate timing.

The American Red Cross says it's making it easier for people to donate blood, by giving you the chance to do some of the prep work ahead of time. 

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets and help prevent a summer shortage.

A recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors shows more than 40 percent plan to travel the week before or after Independence Day, an indicator that many eligible donors may be unavailable to give.