Second Calls Goes Out From Red Cross for Blood Donations

A second call is going out from the American Red Cross for summertime blood donations.

Red Cross spokesperson Kristin Stancil said the donations this time of year run about 40% below normal.

“We typically do see our numbers go down in the summer months because people go on vacation and they’re not making their summer appointments to donate,” said American Red Cross spokesperson Kristen Stancil.

A previous call went out in mid-June for the July 4th holiday, but now more blood is needed.

Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to schedule an appointment.

“Adding blood or platelet donation to a vacation to-do list can mean so much to patients and their families,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment, Alabama and Central Gulf Coast and Southern Blood Services Regions. “It’s a simple act, taking as little as an hour, but can touch many lives.”

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

To get more information on ways to donate blood or platelets, you can visit the Red Cross web site at www.redcrossblood.org.