LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RedCross) - A national appeal for donors issued in late June briefly stopped a decline in the Red Cross blood supply. However, the effect on the inventory was temporary and the situation remains tenuous.
Officials believe that the extreme heat is keeping many donors at home and away from Red Cross blood drives.
Extra donors are needed to give blood at every Red Cross drive through the rest of July, to ensure enough blood on the shelves to meet patient needs.
Thousands of blood donations are needed each and every day to help treat accident victims, cancer patients, children with blood disorders and others.
These patients rely on lifesaving blood products during their treatment. Those whose lives may be touched by your generosity will be forever grateful.
All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply is available. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative are especially encouraged to give at this time.
Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to any patient. This blood type is often used in emergency situations when doctors do not have time to check a patient's blood type before transfusion.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Arkansas), 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.
For more information about donating blood or where to donate visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) for assistance.