Blood supplies low this summer, Red Cross seeking donors

Posted on July 15, 2017
The American Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations. (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

By Doug Jenkins/WBGZ Radio

ALTON – The American Red Cross has an emergency need for blood and platelet donations.

Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past couple of months, and a Red Cross official says that’s typical for this time of year. Spokesman Joe Zydlo said the process takes an hour or so to complete, and you don’t want to give blood on an empty stomach. He added new donors are always welcome.

“I think for us (the challenge) is trying to find new donors, getting new blood – no pun intended,” Zydlo said. “Hopefully we can retain then and get them to come back another time”

Donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by going to www.redcrossblood.org.

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