Red Cross in Urgent Need of Blood Donations

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 -- 12:00 PM

(WBAY) There is always a need for blood donations, but the American Red Cross hopes the pandemic helps people realize just how life-saving this simple act can be, especially for those fighting COVID-19.

Over the past several months, state health officials have repeatedly said getting the COVID-19 vaccine saves lives.  “We just need people to keep saying yes,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

‘Yes’ is also the answer the American Red Cross would like to get when it comes to people donating blood. The organization supplies 40 percent of the nation’s blood.  “Obviously, we have a need for blood every single day and the coronavirus did not stop us.

We needed to fulfill requests for hospital patients and that need will go on into the future,” said Laura McGuire, the regional communications manager for American Red Cross, Wisconsin region.

McGuire says they are worried about a summer slump as donations usually slow down during the warmer months. Plus, as more people get outdoors, more accidents are likely to happen as well.

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