Red Cross blood shortage: Emergency need for all eligible donors to give now

Severe blood shortage: Red Cross issues immediate call for blood and platelet donations

Blood drive hosts also needed this winter to stop prolonged shortage

BUFFALO, NY — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. 

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.
“This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays. People can give back – and help those in need – by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come.”
An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally and over 170 blood drives are needed in the New York-Penn Region in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.
To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
How to help
Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.
Those interested in hosting a blood drive can learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive this winter, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Allegany County
Alfred
11/29/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Alfred State College, 10 Upper College Drive
Almond
12/10/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Alfred Almond Central School, 6795 Route 21
Houghton
12/5/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Houghton College - Gillette Hall, Gillette Hall, Genesee Street
Little Genesee
12/3/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Faith Bible Church - Little Genesee, 8137 Main Street
Scio
11/30/2018: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Town of Scio, 4335 County Road 10
Wellsville
12/5/2018: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., SUNY Alfred-Wellsville, 2530 River Road

Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus

12/11/2018: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Cattaraugus-Little Valley High School, 25 North Franklin Street
Conewango Valley
11/12/2018: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., Conewango Fire Hall, 12447 Northeast Road
Ellicottville
11/12/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, 6360 Route 242 East
Hinsdale
11/14/2018: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Hinsdale High School, 3701 Main Street
Olean
11/21/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cattaraugus County Building, 1 Leo Moss Drive
12/8/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church, 109 South Barry Street
12/10/2018: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 209 West State Street

Saint Bonaventure
11/27/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Bonaventure University-University McGinley-Carney Center, 3261 West State Road
11/28/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Bonaventure University-University McGinley-Carney Center, 3261 West State Road
West Valley
11/13/2018: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., West Valley Central School, 5359 School Street

Wyoming County

Arcade
11/13/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 2 East Main Street
Perry
12/7/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Perry Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 121 Lake Street
Warsaw
12/3/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sinclair Pharmacy, 75 North Main Street

Wyoming12/1/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., First Baptist Church, 28 Main Street