American Red Cross asks for donors as blood shortage continues across country

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Monday, October 16, 2023
Taylor Bennett, WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5

The American Red Cross said that they are working to ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions, but additional donations are still needed to meet hospital demand.

“The amount of blood that’s going out to hospitals is greater than the amount of donations that are coming in, and unfortunately, that’s how it’s been since August for us,” American Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region Communications Manager Bethany Bray Patterson said.

The Red Cross declared a national blood shortage on Sept. 11. Local donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially those with type-O blood.

All who give blood Oct. 21-Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card to a restaurant of their choice. They’ll also be automatically entered to win a $5,000 gift card.

There will be three winners – one chosen at random each week. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines don’t affect donor eligibility.

“Make sure you are feeling like yourself healthy and well on the day of your donation, but vaccine status is not a factor for eligibility,” Patterson said.