Red Cross seeking donors during emergency blood shortage

FARGO (KVRR) – The American Red Cross says there is an “emergency blood shortage” as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.

“One of the things that we want to remind people is that they really can make a life saving difference with the blood they donate on next Tuesday, or next Thursday or a week from Friday,” said Dan Williams, the executive director serving Minnesota. “Because you never know when the person that needs that blood is going to need it.”

The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood has fallen by about 40%. The Red Cross says 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.

To make an appointment, you can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.