The Red Cross has issued a critical blood shortage, as blood donations are lower than what is needed right now in hospitals.
The Red Cross said in a press release that blood donations have fallen short of demands, especially over the past few months.
“Right now, Red Cross blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in,” the release said.
Some of the reason behind the limited supply of blood is the amount of people vacationing during the summer, especially during the Fourth of July weekend. But the Red Cross said that the need for blood never stops despite the season.
“Patients do not get a summer holiday from needing blood,” the Red Cross said.
The Red Cross urges anybody who is at least 17 years old and weighs 110 pounds or more to donate blood. You can make a donation by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
