Here are just a few of the Red Crossers who donated blood to help combat the national blood crisis with a local partner. In total, more than 20 units were collected.
As the largest single supplier of blood products in the U.S., the Red Cross works to meet the demand for blood and provide a safe and reliable supply whenever and wherever it is needed. Right now, the Red Cross national blood supply is at its lowest levels in more than a decade.
Winter weather across much of the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply. More blood donors are needed now, particularly individuals in areas currently unaffected by winter weather.
In non-collection areas like Florida, the Red Cross partners with others in the blood community to help address supply challenges. Inspired by the current emergency shortage and National Blood Donor Month, our Tampa Bay Chapter welcomed a OneBlood Bus to our St. Petersburg location to facilitate employee and volunteer donations. The mobile drive took place on January 17, coinciding with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. More than 20 units of blood were collected, which helps to ensure that lifesaving blood will be there for patients in need.
The blood community relies on the generosity of blood donors to help save lives throughout the year. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment now for the days ad weeks to come. To find a local blood collection site, the accrediting organization AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies) offers a zip code search tool at www.aabb.org/giveblood.
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