Urgent Call for Blood Donations in Montgomery County, MD

 Urgent Call for Blood Donations in Montgomery County, MD

The Red Cross has reported a significant blood shortage  across the United States. This shortage is affecting our local community in Montgomery County, MD and we urgently need your help.

 The Current Situation

The national blood supply has fallen by about 25% since early August. This decrease is due to increased travel, people returning to school, and recent national disasters. The shortage is impacting patients who need blood for treatments and surgeries.

The Impact on Our Community

Patients with cancer, those involved in accidents, and individuals undergoing scheduled surgeries are among those who require blood and blood products. This need is constant and critical. Patients with sickle cell disease can utilize up to 100 units of blood per patient each year, highlighting the scale of the demand.

How You Can Help

We are calling on residents of Montgomery County to step forward and donate blood. The greatest need is for donors with O-Positive or O-Negative Blood types. O-Positive is the blood type most commonly used for transfusions, and O-Negative is the universal blood type that surgeons reach for in emergency situations.

Donors with rare blood types, such as A, B, and AB, are also welcome. Every donation counts, and we can use everyone willing to donate.

Safety Measures

Please be assured that giving blood is safe. The Red Cross follows FDA guidelines, specifically around any COVID residual or new strains of COVID.

 How to Donate

If you're interested in giving blood, you can set up an appointment by calling  1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) , or make an appointment online. You can also download the Red Cross App on your phone.

Your donation can make a difference. It's time for us to roll up our sleeves and help replenish our community's blood supply. Thank you for your support.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 9/28/2023