Dear Editor,

The American Red Cross is facing only the second national blood crisis in its history — and donors are urgently needed now to help ensure hospitals have the blood products patients depend on every day.

While thousands have stepped up since the emergency blood and platelet shortage was announced, the blood supply remains vulnerable. Additional donors are needed now to help protect patient care.

Seasonal challenges in the weeks ahead could place additional strain on the blood supply. End-of-summer travel and back-to-school activities can disrupt a donor’s availability to give.

When fewer donors are available to give, the impact on available lifesaving blood products can be significant, especially when the blood supply is already facing a four-year summer low.

There’s also an emergency platelet shortage. Nearly half of all platelet transfusions are given to patients battling cancer. Without platelets, many lifesaving cancer treatments must be delayed.

A readily available blood and platelet supply is the backbone of modern medicine. Just three more donors at each blood drive or donation center this summer could help stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Sincerely,

Sherry

Nealon-Shrive

Executive Director, American Red Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania