Local hospitals say they need more blood donors, and you can help. The American Red Cross issued its first ever blood crisis alert earlier this month, saying the country is experiencing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.
“We see our reserves shrinking slowly,” said Dr. Roberto Vargas from Rochester Regional Health (RRH). “So it’s definitely trending in the wrong direction.”
Local doctors say they currently have enough blood to treat hospital patients, but more blood donations are needed soon as supplies shrink, according to News 10 NBC.
University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital provides more than 400 blood transfusions every week, mainly to those with cancer or problems with bone narrow.
To find out if you’re eligible to give blood and schedule an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. You can also call at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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