The Blood Supply Has Dropped More Than 25% Since July 1
The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage and is urging people to make a potentially lifesaving donation. L.A. Care Health Plan is hosting a blood drive today to support the Red Cross at this critical time. Since July 1, the Red Cross blood supply has fallen by more than 25 percent. Extreme and dangerous levels of heat this summer forced cancellation of about 100 blood drives. This exacerbated the traditional seasonal obstacles, like travel and summer activities, that lead to lower donation rates.
The Red Cross was left with a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July, just as the nation was moving into peak hurricane season. Already this month, Hurricane Debby forced cancellation of drives, causing hundreds of lifesaving blood products to go uncollected. This makes it difficult to keep hospitals stocked with the products for people with cancer, sickle cell disease, or a traumatic injury due to an accident.
L.A. Care welcomes all who are eligible to donate to sign up. The health plan expects up to 35 donors at this drive.
The American Red Cross will be at:
L.A. Care Health Plan
1055 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, Room 202
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Media welcome 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
All those who donate in August will get a $20 Amazon Gift Card via email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Sign up to donate here.