An emergency call for blood donations has been issued by the American Red Cross because there was a sharp drop in donations during the July Fourth holiday, but demand did not decline.
During the week of July 4, more than 450 fewer blood drives were held than during a typical week, resulting in as many as 17,000 fewer blood donations.
“Blood transfusions are one of the most common hospital procedures and blood donors play a critical role in ensuring there are enough products on the shelves to help patients in need,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the American Red Cross.
“Each day, kids battling cancer, accident victims being raced to the emergency room, and mothers experiencing complicated childbirths rely on
