And this year is no execption. WJAC reported that the American Red Cross has put out an urgent plea for blood donors to come forward and help replentish the dwindling blood supply. The report stated that in an average year, 20% of donors are high school and college age students, but since it is summertime, college students are mostly at home and do not donate. Also family vacations play a role in the shortage, taking people away from potential blood drives. If the shortage continues, a regional red cross manager said that medical procedures such as elective surgeries may have to be pushed back if the blood supply does not improve. The red cross says that right now all types of blood are needed, but type o negative and b negative are especially needed.
