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Red Cross Blood Supply Runs Low During Holiday Season

By Joel Hardy

11/14/2014

(KAIR)--Millions of Americans each year, including those in the local area, depend on blood to save their lives or the life of a loved one.

The American Red Cross is almost always in short supply of blood, but the holiday season can be an especially tough time to keep the supply full.

According to Executive Director Angie Spring, there are a few reasons for the seasonal shortage. She says “A lot of people will schedule medical procedures over the holidays because they are off, so there is an increased need for blood when there are medical procedures that need to be done”. Increased holiday travel also plays a part. Springs says that there can be a spike in the number of automobile wrecks which can result in traumatic injuries that people may need blood for.

One blood donation can go a long way. Springs says that “When you give with the American Red Cross, up to three lives can be saved, because we divide that up into three different components, and each has a very specific need. One portion of that blood is used for trauma patients, one portion of that blood goes to cancer patients, and another portion of blood goes to burn victims”.

Springs adds that while all blood types are needed, O-negative is especially needed since it can be given to anyone.

If you are interested in donating blood, just go to redcross.org to find a blood drive near you.

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