The Blood Supply has Dwindled After Donations Lagged During the Fourth of July Holiday Week, According to the Red Cross.
An emergency blood shortage in Southern California and across the country prompted the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types, but especially type O, to help save lives.
The shortage follows a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations, with more than 550 fewer blood drives than on a typical week, resulting in a decline in donations.
Blood is currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and all eligible donors are needed to give now to help replenish the blood supply, said Christine Welch, an American Red Cross Blood Services spokeswoman.
The need is especially critical for type O blood donors, according to the Red Cross. Type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage. Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
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Source: https://patch.com/california/escondido/urgent-call-blood-donors-blood-drives-escondido