Red Cross: Critical need for blood and platelet donors as summer approaches

Summer is quickly approaching, and the pleasant weather means more people outdoors and a higher chance for crashes, boat accidents and other injuries. The American Red Cross said there is a greater need for blood in the warmer months, but there’s a drop in donations available.

Everything to know about giving blood

When scheduled blood donations account for 90% of all blood donations the American Red Cross receives, it turns into a problem when the number of people showing up decreases.

The period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day particularly is linked to an increase in serious injuries, including a 30% rise in teen-involved deadly crashes.

"Right now what we're seeing is a donor shortage, and we're anticipating if people don't sign up to donate in the weeks ahead, we will absolutely be in a blood shortage later this summer," said Ellen Gorham, executive director of the Greater Triangle area chapter of the American Red Cross.

Gorham said she hears about people feeling unsure about donating blood but assures interested donors that it's a lot easier than they think.

"It's really simple, it takes less than an hour," Gorham said. "The most difficult part is probably right when you sit down, but otherwise it's a great experience."

An increase in summer travel keeps people from donating blood, but donating now could save lives later, including patients who need it most.

"Mothers [often] need extra blood after an abnormal delivery," Gorham said. "That happens regularly. It's happened to several friends of mine, and it's important we have blood on the shelves to serve people who need it at their worst time." 

To learn more about how you can donate or sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org.