LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The American Red Cross is still calling for blood donors as the national blood supply crisis continues.
The Red Cross says donations have dropped to a four-year summer low, with extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses contributing to the decline. Donations increased after the Red Cross declared a national blood shortage, but the supply remains tight as people travel and prepare to head back to school.
Donors turned out Wednesday at the Lima AAA, where they could also receive a Kewpee coupon for giving blood.
Red Cross workers say the process is easy and can save lives. "If they're doing regular whole blood, which is the basic donation type, they can save up to three people, because we'll be dividing the blood up into its three main components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma," said Red Cross phlebotomist Hanna Hicks. "Those go get separated in the lab and sent out as soon as possible. Parts of the blood will last up to a year in storage, some will only last a week, so we try to get them out fast."
To give blood, visit redcrossblood.org and enter your zip code to find an upcoming drive near you.
