Red Cross Seeking Blood Donations To Avoid Shortage
BOSTON (CBS) – The American Red Cross is looking for ways to bolster the area's blood supply to avoid a shortage the rest of the summer.
Red Cross spokeswoman Jecoliah Ellis told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker the organization is facing a "looming shortage of the most needed blood types."
She said O negative, B negative, and A negative are needed to help prevent a possible emergency situation.
Ellis said summer blood shortages are not uncommon, but "they can be prevented when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves and help us restock the shelves."
"When you come and give blood at a blood drive in Massachusetts, it takes us about two or three days to process and test that blood," she said, "And then we can send it to a hospital."
On average, Massachusetts sees 14 percent fewer donations in June and July than the previous 10 months of the year, Ellis said.
Part of the problem is people are on vacation, high schools and colleges are out-of-session, Ellis says, and 25 percent of donations are from that age group.
The spokeswoman says preparation is key when facing a mass casualty-type event, and having blood on-hand is essential.
"For instance with the Boston Marathon bombings, the American Red Cross sent 600 blood products to area hospitals in response to the bombing tragedy," Ellis says, noting that lives were saved because they were readily available.
Every two seconds, someone needs blood, according to Ellis.
To find out where to make a donation, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or visit the Red Cross website.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker Reports: