As the country recovers from recent waves of severe storms, the American Red Cross is reporting a critical need for blood and platelet donors.
“In fact, over the past month about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply,” Rachelle Lipker, Executive Director for Red Cross – Central/Western Nebraska, told KLIN News.
Also spiking the need for donors: the Transportation Security Administration says five of the busiest travel days ever happened this month and more record-breaking travel is expected this summer — creating a busy season when many regular donors may be unable to give. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents.
Here in Nebraska the Red Cross is providing support following tornadoes, flooding and other extreme weather in recent weeks. With the most active year for tornadoes since 2017, hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers are working around the clock across multiple states to make sure people affected by this severe weather have a safe place to stay, food, relief supplies and emotional and spiritual support.
“Right here in Lincoln, we can collect blood and it can be sent anywhere in the country,” said Lipker. “That way we’re able to support and help those areas that have been impacted by this severe weather which has caused all this devastation.”
How to Help
- Make a blood donation appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
- Make a financial donation to people affected by disasters like flooding and tornados today at redcross.org or via 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- Wear a red vest and join as a volunteer today to provide relief. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for local opportunities.
The Red Cross has teamed up with Tetris, creators of the iconic, best-selling video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and build the blood supply for patients in need. In commemoration, all who answer the call to help May 20-June 9, 2024, will get an exclusive Tetris + Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator, Alexey Pajitnov. See RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris for details.