There is an emergency request for blood and platelet donations from the American Red Cross due to an extremely low summer blood supply.
In the past few months, there have been 39,000 fewer blood donations than what is needed for hospitals across southeast Michigan.
It is believed regular donors may have postponed their donation due to the Fourth of July holiday.
“Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations,” said Todd Kulman, External Communications Manager of the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region, in a statement. “Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It’s the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs.”
To schedule an appointment, you can use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-733-2767.
Red Cross will be extending their hours at many donation sites to allow for more donations.
