Summer has officially begun. And today, the American Red Cross is reminding communities of the need for blood and platelet donors. Especially as we draw closer to the holiday.
The American Red Cross says patients are counting now on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July.
In a news release the Red Cross says it sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day.
When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it.
The Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. They say this additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.
The Red Cross says donors can help by making appointments to provide for those in immediate need of life saving care.
Officials add you can make an appointment by downloading their app or go to RedCrossBlood.org.
