The American Red Cross has roughly 1,300 blood donation appointments in North Texas that need to be filled through June 15.
Hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% since April as surgical procedures and patient treatments resume, creating an urgent need for blood donations to prevent a blood shortage, a May 28 release said. At the same time, blood drives have been canceled because of closures at business and community organizations during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Red Cross.
“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services, in the release. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop. We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer.”
Because blood donations must be used within a certain period of time, they must constantly be replenished, according to the Red Cross.
