Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, urges donations
The American Red Cross this week announced an emergency blood shortage, urging Americans to donate blood or platelets to alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay. With blood donations to the Red Cross down 40% in the past 20 years, the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day can have dramatic consequences for those in need, the organization said. To encourage donations this January during National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross and National Football League have partnered to offer donors a chance to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl.
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