HealthcarePlano

American Red Cross sees urgent need for blood donations

Liesbeth Powers

1 min read

Published February 26, 2020 at 3:45 p.m. CTUpdated February 26, 2020

American Red Cross sees urgent need for blood donations — Patients need blood every two seconds somewhere in the U.S., Hale said, and Type O is the most in-demand, according to the American Red Cross. (Courtesy Sanford Myers and American Red Cross)

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors of all types, according to Jan Hale with the organization's biomedical services department. Donors are specifically needed with Type O blood, she said.

Severe weather and illness are to blame for the urgent need, according to Hale.

“Any disruption to donations—like severe winter weather or seasonal illness—can cause a shortfall and create delays in essential medical care,” Hale said in an email to Community Impact Newspaper.

Patients need blood every two seconds somewhere in the US, Hale said, and Type O is the most in-demand.

“It’s a situation that’s going on across the country and we see it here in North Texas, as well,” Hale said in an email.

Those who would like to donate blood can make an appointment or find blood drives through Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting the Red Cross’ website or by calling 800-733-2767. Alexa devices can also assist with finding or signing up for donations by enabling the “Blood Donor Skill,” Hale said.