The American Red Cross is issuing a call for platelet and type O negative and AB blood donors to make an appointment to give after severe winter weather in some parts of the country caused about 250 Red Cross blood drives to cancel in March, resulting in more than 8,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
Platelets, type O negative blood and type AB plasma are three of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals. Those who give can help patients locally or across the country as the Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they are needed most.
All blood types are needed to meet the constant need of patients, and there is a significant need now for platelet and type O negative and AB donations to help some of the most vulnerable patients," said Joe Zydlo, External Communications Manager, Missouri-Illinois Blood Services. "We ask that you schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve to help save a life in the coming days."