Red Cross Issues ‘Urgent Emergency’ For Tri-State

The Red Cross issued an urgent emergency call for help from everyone in the Tri-State area.

On Monday, the American Red Cross issued an urgent call for eligible individuals of all blood types to give now and help save patient lives following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations.

All blood types are needed by Type O, in particular, is critically needed right now to replenish the blood supply, according to the Red Cross.

Fewer blood donors and fewer blood drives during the Independence Day holiday week caused this blood shortage emergency, officials say.

“Blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in – we need both new and current blood donors to make an appointment as soon as possible to help patients battling illness and injury,” Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Blood Services said in a press release. “Unlike many other lifesaving medical treatments, blood donations cannot be manufactured and stockpiled. Red blood cells have a shelf-life of only 42 days and platelets just five days – Each donation, each day makes a difference.”

Eligible individuals are urged to schedule a blood or platelet donation today by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross encourages individuals to make a donation appointment and to complete a RapidPass online health history questionnaire to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass can now be completed on mobile devices and through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Individuals who are 17 years of age or older and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood in most states, officials say.

Below is a list of a number of Blood Drives being held over the news two weeks in the Hudson Valley.

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