The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage, leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give.
Donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent over the last three months, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected. The number of donors continues to decline, and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks.
Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood.
There is also an urgent need for platelet donations.
There will be a blood drive from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem.
