Depleted blood supply dwindles

BALTIMORE (WMAR) - Sudden severe storms in the area have affected the already depleted blood supply for the American Red Cross, and now they need your help more than ever.

The weekend storms and power outages forced the cancelation of blood drives in the region resulting in the shortfall of over 400 potential blood donations and over 100 platelet products.

Continued power outages mean that more blood drives will also be canceled this week. Eligible donors are urged to schedule appointments immediately by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to help build the blood supply in the midst of emergency blood appeal.

The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. The shortfall leaves the Red Cross with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year.

All blood types are needed, but especially 0 positive, 0 negative and A negative in order to meet demand this summer.

Each and every blood donation is crucial.  The Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, blood drive sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States.