MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — The American Red Cross has put out an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types to deal with a shortfall.
Michael Kempesty, CEO for the Northern New England Blood Services Region, said the organization is counting on volunteers.
“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need,” he said.
Nationwide, donations were down about 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. There was a similar shortfall in June 2012.
The organization said each day, the northern New England region needs about 700 donors.
Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone in need of blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.
There is also a need for platelet donations. The key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients must be transfused within five days of donation.
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