WHITE PLAINS, NY — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations. Right now, blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than it is being donated. A critical shortage of Red Cross blood donations may lead to delays in urgent medical care to vulnerable patients. To help, the New Rochelle Public Library will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 14th, from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, in the library’s meeting room and theater stage.
Eligible blood and platelet donors of all types are needed now. Donors with types O, B negative or A negative blood are especially needed and encouraged to give a Power Red donation, if available. Donors need to be at least 17 years of age. Donors may drop-in or register by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass, which allows donors to complete their pre-reading and donation questions online from the comfort and privacy of their home or office, thus reducing the time they spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes. All donors should bring a photo I.D. and allow 45- 60 minutes to complete the donation. Refreshments are provided. All who come to donate and have an email address on file with the Red Cross, will receive an email for a $5 Target eGiftCard™ after their attempted donation.
The American Red Cross Blood Services depends on committed donors to give the “gift of life” to help ensure that quality blood products and services are always available when and where they are needed by hospital patients. One unit of blood can help save the lives of up to three people.
The Red Cross needs donors to keep giving blood during all times of the year if it is to continue meeting patients’ need for blood: transfusions for trauma victims who have experienced accidents or burns; patients undergoing heart surgery or organ transplants; and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases. A donation will help ensure that blood is available for those many patients who require this life-saving gift.