American Red Cross in desperate need of blood donations

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEVV) — The American Red Cross of Southwest Indiana is urging the public to donate and give blood as soon as possible.

Donations in the next few weeks are vital in building back the dwindling supply of blood and plasma.

“Well typically this time of year we are seeing seasonal illness, winter weather over the next few months. We’re encouraging people to come out and give blood, especially new donors who have never done it before who might be thinking about how they can give back to the community.” said Beth Sweeney, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southwest Chapter.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood.

“Type O+  blood is the most transfused blood, and type O- is the universal type. This is what you will typically see in emergency rooms where doctors will reach for that blood first, if they don’t have time to find out what that patients blood type is.” Beth continued.

She says the blood raised at those drives is critical in saving lives.

“We just want people to realize how important the gift of life is. We cannot manufacture blood, it has to come from donors like the people in this community.”

For a full list of blood drives happening near you, you can click here.

You can visit the volunteer section of their website, for more information on how to get involved with the American Red Cross.