MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Blood donations center across the U.S., and in the Mid-South, are facing a blood shortage, and they need everyone’s help to increase the nation’s supply.
The American Red Cross said it is facing an emergency blood shortage, and the American Blood Centers (ABC), of which Vitalant is a member, has issued a joint statement saying the supply across the U.S. is strained. The Red Cross said the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%.
“This has been further impacted by recent disruptions in blood collections in the Southeast United States, including the landfall of Tropical Storm Debby into Florida’s west coast,” said the ABC. “The storm is expected to impact Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, and further exacerbate the current challenges with the blood supply.”
The Red Cross said it needs donors of all types, but especially type O, and ABC said its most-needed supplies are platelets, O-positive, and O-negative blood.
Blood has a limited shelf life, so the supply has to be replenished continually.
Upcoming blood drives
The Red Cross is joining the Memphis 901 FC for a blood drive Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at 1399 Madison Avenue. All presenting donors will get a $20 Amazon gift card by email and be entered into a drawing for the chance at two tickets to the Memphis 901 FC soccer game on Saturday, Aug. 17.
"As the city's soccer club, 901 FC is passionate in helping raise awareness for urgent needs in our community," said 901 FC Community and Business Development Manager Josh Curtis. "We encourage all able 901 FC and soccer fans to donate with American Red Cross on Tuesday."
Lifeline Blood Services in West Tennessee also has several upcoming blood drives. You can find them at lifelinebloodserv.org.
Other ways to donate
For the American Red Cross, make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To donate through Vitalant, visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
For Lifeline Blood Services, visit lifelinebloodserv.org or call 731-427-4431 for information.