Red Cross Declares Summertime Blood Shortage

ZANESVILLE, OH – The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage in the middle of the Summer Season.

According to the Red Cross, their blood supply fell by nearly 25% in June and with beach trips, vacations, and road trips, they’re seeing the number dip further.

Don Hawkins, the Regional Communications Manager for the Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, says the most important thing to do is check if you are eligible to donate or, if you’re a regular donor, see when you’re due back in to give blood.

“If it’s your first time coming to donate with us, you’re going to want to book an appointment, you’ll do your rapid pass online, all of these little things are going to speed up this experience.” Hawkins said. “If you come in with all of that done, that’ll be explained in the emails you get when you book your appointment. Come in with all of that done, you’ll be in and out within an hour, the needle is scary to a lot of people, we understand that. You don’t have to look at it when it’s going in, I never do, I’m scared of needles, but I give every time I’m eligible to, because I know it’s going to help somebody.”

The Red Cross is accepting all blood types but if you have O or B Negative, Hawkins recommends you get an appointment to donate because those are some of the rarer blood types.

He also says for those who donate, starting today and going until the end of the Month will receive a free movie ticket from Fandango to see the latest flicks headed to theaters.

“If you’re one of those carriers and again, you’re due for an appointment or curious about donating, make your appointment, come on out, it helps us big time.” Hawkins said. “All these little things, people with all these different blood types coming out to make sure we have a strong supply overall is what’s going to help get us out of the shortage.”

For more information or to schedule your appointment, you can head to redcrossblood.org.