Trending-Viral In its latest press release dated 07th Jan 2024, American Red Cross ARC has declared an emergency on blood shortage and has called for donations during National Blood Donor Month i.e January. It has further shared a distressing fact that the number of U.S. blood donors hits all-time low (about 40%) for past 20 years.
Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay. Notably, ARC is the nation’s largest blood supplier.
ARC mentioned in its press release that “A person needs lifesaving blood every two seconds in our country — and its availability can be the difference between life and death, however, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve to donate.”
ARC highlighted these challenges:
- When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone.
- Winter weather and seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 may affect future donor turnout compounding the dire blood supply situation that the nation currently faces.
- The hospital floors are full of kids that need that blood and would otherwise not be able to survive without it.
ARC urges to the American people:
ARC has urged through its press release to the individuals to kick off 2024 with a blood or platelet donation. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
Who can donate blood?
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible donate blood .
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Official Press Release can be seen using given below link:
Know better the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. ARC supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton with its first Chapter in New York, after learning of Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. ARC supplies roughly 45% of the donated blood in the United States.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Image courtesy: Redcross
