SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage, across the country and in Massachusetts.
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During the summer months, they sometimes have these shortages with people going on vacations and the heat, but the magnitude of this shortage is greater than ever. With how hot the summer has been this year, the Red Cross said some blood drives were canceled due to the heat, leading to the shortage.
“What we’re seeing nationwide is overall a decline in the amount of donors coming out to give blood. In the month of July, we saw a 25% drop in the national blood supply, which is about 19,000 fewer donations than we needed to meet hospital needs,” said Kelly Isenor, Director of Communications at the Red Cross.
Isenor said it is as easy as making an appointment, rolling up your sleeve, and donating blood and platelets. To donate blood, you must be 18 years old or 17 with a parent’s permission, in good health, and at least 110 pounds. Also, make sure to hydrate well before giving blood.