Red Cross seeks blood donations to offset seasonal decline

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help offset a seasonal decline in donations and prevent a shortage this summer by giving blood.

During June, July and August, there are about two fewer donors than needed at each Red Cross blood drive. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session, and vacation schedules can make regular donors less available — both contributing to the seasonal decline.

Donors of all blood types — especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative — are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and supplies critical proteins for clotting immunity. It is often needed for burn, trauma and cancer patients.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitredcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

This story was originally published July 11, 2015 at 3:00 AM with the headline "Red Cross seeks blood donations to offset seasonal decline."