Restock the Shelves – Blood Donations Still in Need for this Summer

With the kiddos heading back to school in some areas and vacation tans starting to fade, it may feel like summer is beginning to wind down. For the American Red Cross, though, summer isn’t over yet, and it still needs blood and platelet donations to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout August.

Platelet donors and those with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed to help restock Red Cross shelves and prevent an emergency shortage. Donors are encouraged to download the free Blood Donor App to schedule a convenient appointment and keep abreast of current blood supply needs. The app even notifies donors when their donation is distributed to a hospital.

If you gave earlier this summer, you might be eligible to give again. For those who have been meaning to donate, but haven’t gotten around to it, please don’t put it off until some other time.

How important is it to donate this month? From June through August, on average, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment at Red Cross blood drives than what is needed for patients. That can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer. Your donation counts more than you might think.

If you are unable to give blood, you can still support the Red Cross by signing up to host a blood drive, volunteering your time, asking others to donate or creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive.

Every day this summer is a chance to help save lives. Make an appointment to help #RestockTheShelves by downloading the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.