Red Cross in 'Urgent' Need of Platelet and Blood Donors this Summer

By Amanda Harnocz

As soon as the blood comes in, it's going back out to someone in need. 

The American Red Cross released a statement recently saying the organization, and more importantly the people who need blood, are in "urgent need for platelet donors, as well as donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood." 

The Red Cross said thousands of people in Ohio have already responded to the call for help.  

“We are grateful to the donors who have rolled up a sleeve to give blood or platelets to the Red Cross in the last couple of weeks, but our work is not over,” said Christy Sabaka, Communications Program Manager for the Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region in a prepared statement. “The need for blood is constant. As July comes to a close and August begins, we ask eligible donors to please give blood or platelets as soon as possible.”

The reason the need is "urgent" is because there were about 50,000 fewer lood and platelet donations than expected in June. Since the Red Cross put out the alert, there's been a 15 percent increase in donors. 

“The summer is historically one of the most difficult times of year for blood and platelet donations,” said Sabaka. “Many donors are still enjoying summer activities, but patients are unable to take a vacation from needing lifesaving transfusions.” 

Blood and platelets are needed for:

• Accident and burn victims
• Heart surgery patients
• Organ transplant patients
• Those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease

• Aug. 5, noon to 6 p.m., Lee Road Library. 
• Aug. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland.