BURLINGTON, Vt. — The American Red Cross Northern New England Region has issued an appeal for blood donors of all types. It says the nation faces a critical blood shortage.
While demand for blood products remains steady, donations to the Red Cross this summer are the lowest the Red Cross has seen in over a decade. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.
The Red Cross Northern New England Blood Services Region provides blood to more than 80 hospitals and needs more than 500 people a day to give blood and platelets.
The blood goes to accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses.