The American Red Cross reports it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans.
Since July 1, the Red Cross said national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
Locally, upcoming blood donation opportunities are:
Santa Barbara
Aug. 12: 1-7 p.m., American Red Cross, 2707 State St.
Aug. 16: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Montecito Family YMCA, 591 Santa Rosa Lane
Aug. 26: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., American Red Cross, 2707 State St.
Goleta
Aug. 30: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Isla Vista Community Center, 976 Embarcadero del Mar
As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31 will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities.
Together, these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July, the Red Cross said.
At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
Currently, the Red Cross reports, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment.”