Red Cross issues call for blood following dry June
SEATTLE -- The American Red Cross issued a request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give Tuesday.
According to Red Cross, donations were 10 percent lower than normal for June and into the first week of July. Nationwide, the drop resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations than expected over the time.
The shortfall is similar to what the Red Cross experienced in June 2012. According to the Red Cross, June can be among the most challenging months of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they adjust to summer schedules, and high school and college blood drives see a drop in attendance.
Each day, the American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Region needs approximately 1,000 donors to step forward and give blood, the Red Cross said. In order to donate blood call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.