Red Cross Issues 'Emergency Call' For Blood Donations Amid Summer Supply Shortage

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — For the first time in eight years, the American Red Cross in Southern California has issued an "emergency call" for all eligible donors to replenish what officials are calling an "extremely low" summer blood supply.

With roughly 39,000 fewer donations nationwide in addition to what is being described as a "significant draw down of the overall Red Cross blood supply," spokesperson Natividad Lewis says the Red Cross currently has less than the critical threshold of a five-day supply of donated blood products on hand.

Dr. Ross Herron, chief medical officer of the Red Cross West Blood Services Division, said blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.

"Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks," said Herron. "If you've thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It's the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs."

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment using the free Blood Donor App or by visiting the Red Cross website.