American Red Cross Urges Donors to Give This Summer in Grosse Pointe

The American Red Cross implores donors to give this summer due to the demand for platelet and types O negative, B negative and A negative blood. 

“The summer is historically one of the most difficult times of year for blood and platelet donations,” said Diane Ward, CEO for the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region. “Many donors are still enjoying summer activities, but patients are unable to take a vacation from needing lifesaving transfusions.”

Thousands responded to the Red Cross' emergency call for blood donations July 9 after seeing about 50,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than expected in June. Since then, donations increased by about 15 percent, "but the middle and end of July mark only the halfway point to the challenging summer months," according to the American Red Cross. 

For more information about blood donation, visit Red Cross' website or find a blood drive in the Grosse Pointe area.