Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (July 26, 2023) — The nation’s blood supply is continuing to decline, now worsened by a summer donation slump. This shortage could mean potentially dire consequences for patients and has caused the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada to urge donors to help avert a blood shortage.
“Nationwide, we have experienced a shortfall of more than 50,000 donations over the past two months,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Although we often see a dip in donations during the summer, this year’s decline has been one of the larger ones in recent summers. Blood donations are a lifeline for patients in need, and the current shortage is a cause for concern.”
The Red Cross plays a vital role in supporting the nation's blood supply, providing approximately 40% of the blood collected across the country. “To meet demand for patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments at approximately 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross needs to collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations every day,” Flanigan said.
Moreover, there’s an urgent need for type O negative, type O positive, and type B negative blood donation. “Type O blood is the most used in hospitals and B negative is one of the rarest blood types,” explained Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross “We’re urging everyone who can to schedule an appointment today.” Donors can make an appointment today using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
"The only way to obtain transfusable blood is through donations,” Dr. Kelley stressed. “We rely on the generosity of others to give blood so that it's available when needed. Despite 62% of the population being eligible to donate, only about 3% does."
Don’t miss the Shark Week T-shirt giveaway. Plus, exciting incentives in August
The officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, exclusively available to donors (while supplies last) at Red Cross blood drives and donation centers, ends Monday, July 31. However, there are more exciting incentives awaiting donors in August:
Here’s another way to make a difference. Become a volunteer Blood Transportation Specialist
Volunteers play a crucial role by ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply to become a Blood Transportation Specialist contact Bonnie Cook at bonnie.cook@redcross.org or 702-268-3207 or visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
