DETROIT, Mich. (WZMQ) – The American Red Cross is declaring a critical emergency blood shortage here in Michigan after the nation’s blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent in June.
They say more summer trauma cases have increased the demand for blood, while donations have fallen sharply due to vacations, illness, and the loss of school blood drives.
All blood types are needed, with the greatest need for “O” positive, “B” negative, and AB plasma.
The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to help ensure hospitals have the blood they need to save lives.
“In the summertime, a lot of people get busy, and they think they have other things to do. And they don’t always think about giving blood, but it’s only 1 hour helping save up to 3 lives every 2 seconds. Someone needs blood. It’s a very easy thing to do. We just don’t all think about it,” said Kelley DeLong of the Michigan Red Cross.
For information on how you can donate blood, please visit the Red Cross website at redcross.org
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