Due to extremely low blood supply, the Chester County branch of the American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets, urging all eligible donors to give blood as soon as possible.    

Recent months have seen around 39,000 fewer donations than required to maintain a stable supply, causing a substantial draw down of the Red Cross blood stock.

“Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations,” said Beth Toll of the Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region.

She added that there is an urgent need for donations right now to meet the needs of hospital patients over the next days and weeks.

“If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It’s the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs,” she urged.

Due to the current emergency situation, the Red Cross is extending hours at most donation sites to accommodate more donors. To avoid longer wait times, make an appointment and fill out a RapidPass online health history questionnaire in advance.

“When you give blood, you make a huge difference in your community. A single blood donation can save three lives, and every two seconds someone in the US needs blood,” said Jessica Wiesak, who serves on the American Red Cross Chester County Leadership Council.

To schedule an appointment to donate use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Check out previous VISTA Today coverage of the American Red Cross here.