American Red Cross sees ‘alarming’ drop in blood supply. Where to give in Merced
The American Red Cross has issued an urgent plea for blood and platelet donors after an “alarming” drop in donations ahead of the busy summer season across the country, including California.
In a May 28 news release, the organization said donors of all blood types are needed to help keep the nation’s blood supply stable during the months ahead.
Scheduled donations — which make up about 90% of all blood donations — have fallen sharply in recent weeks, according to the American Red Cross.
Officials said the timing is especially concerning, as donation rates often dip during end-of-school activities, vacations and summer travel.
“As a result, the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week, raising concerns that the decline could worsen as we enter trauma season,” the organization said.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, demand for blood often rises due to serious injuries from car crashes, ATV accidents, sports and other emergencies.
Here’s who is eligible to donate — and where Merced-area residents can give:
Who can donate blood to American Red Cross?
“To ensure the safety of both patients and donors, these are some of the requirements donors must meet to be eligible to donate blood based on their donation type,” the American Red Cross said.
According to the organization, here are the general eligibility guidelines for blood donation:
- All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
- A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
- Individuals who are at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
- High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
You cannot donate if you are sick with the cold or flu, are currently taking medications, have low iron levels or have traveled outside the United States to a malaria-risk country in the past three years.
Where to donate blood or platelets in Merced
According to the American Red Cross website, Bethesda Apostolic Faith Church, 1822 Canal St. in Merced, is accepting blood and platelet donations on Wednesday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to make an appointment to donate blood
You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or schedule an appointment online or check RedCrossBlood.org for upcoming blood drives near you.
“Every minute matters,” Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross, said in the release. ”For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11% for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical.”
Donors who come in through Sunday, June 28, receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
