RICHMOND, Va. — The American Red Cross is currently experiencing a critical blood shortage and is in need of donations. Now the organization is offering rewards to those who give blood.
“Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves,” according to Mid-Atlantic Blood Services Region spokesperson Bernadette Jay. “The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and August 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.”
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).
“Only about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and less than 10 percent of those eligible actually do, so new donors are always needed,” Jay said. “While thousands of people have rolled up their sleeves to give blood since the emergency call went out in early July, the Red Cross still has less than a five-day blood supply on hand.”
Plasma can be frozen for up to one year, but blood cannot be stockpiled, which is why regular blood donations are so important, she explained.
Blood donation event are scheduled in Henrico on July 27, 28, in Hanover on July 31, and Chesterfield on July 28, 31, and August 4.
