Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross says it is facing a looming blood shortage and has an urgent need for donations of all blood types.

“The number of donors continues to decline and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks,” the Red Cross said in an announcement.

Donations are down about 8 percent over the last 11 weeks, the organization says, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected since May.

Georgia residents can search for the blood drive or donation site closest to them, or sign up to donate, on the Metropolitan Atlanta region's website.

Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

There is also an urgent need for platelet donations, according to the Red Cross.

To donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and make an appointment. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals should be at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health.