The American Red Cross says its summer blood supply is extremely low and is asking all eligible donors to schedule an appointment to donate blood and platelets. But there’s another reason health officials are concerned: the possibility of the Zika virus being transmitted through blood donations.
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“We rely on generous donors to come out and roll up a sleeve so that we are able to help hospitals in need”, she added.
“It has just been announced this week that there is an emergency need for blood”, explained Lynn Wilkes of the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the Red Cross in Winston-Salem, which is involved with collections in Surry County.
So far, there have been few people turned away because of the potential for Zika exposure – just one-tenth of 1 percent, Lutrha’s report said. Donations have been down over the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what is needed.
During summer, the American Red Cross doesn’t have as many places or people to donate blood, so it creates a shortage.
“Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. And again, every time you give, you can help save up to three lives”.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in most states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
The organization has issued an emergency call for donations.
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Over the Fourth of July weekend, the Red Cross had a tough time collecting enough blood donations.
