LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 25, 2017) — While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.
At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.
“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Tiffany Taylor, external communications manager of the River Valley Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”
Every two seconds
In the U.S., every two seconds someone like Ray Poulin needs blood or platelets. Poulin’s liver and kidneys failed following a serious blood infection. The situation became urgent when his liver hemorrhaged. He was given a 10 percent chance of survival. After receiving 77 units of blood, Poulin defied the odds.
“There was a lot that went into saving my life, but if the blood wasn’t available when I needed it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Poulin.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
All blood types urgently needed
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.
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Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25-Aug. 15
Stockwell Blood Donation Center, 29 South Stockwell Road Evansville, IN 47714
7/25/2017: noon – 6 p.m.
7/28/2017: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
8/1/2017: noon – 6 p.m.
8/4/2017: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
8/8/2017: noon – 6 p.m.
Home Instead Senior Care, 223 NW 2nd St., #310 Evansville, IN 47708
8/1/2017: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Parkview Care Center, 2819 North St. Joseph Ave. Evansville, IN 47720
8/1/2017: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
21 SE Third Street Building, 21 S.E. 3rd Evansville, IN 47708
8/10/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 5301 Daylight Drive Evansville, IN 47725
8/13/2017: 8 a.m. – noon
Bell Road Library, 4111 Lakeshore Drive, Newburgh, IN 47630
8/1/2017: 1 – 6 p.m.
Newburgh United Methodist Church, 4178 Highway 261 Newburgh, IN 47630
8/9/2017: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Corydon Missionary Baptist Church, 550 Main St. Corydon, KY 42406
8/2/2017: 2 – 6 p.m.
Presbyterian Church, 100 South Main St. Henderson, KY 42420
8/7/2017: 1:30 – 6 p.m.
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2601 US Hwy. 60 East Henderson, KY 42420
8/19/2017: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Taylorsville, 115 W. Main St. Taylorsville, KY 40071
7/25/2017: 2 – 6 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 12100 State Route 132 E. Sebree, KY 42455
7/27/2017: 2 – 6:30 p.m.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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