Now that summer is here, the demand for blood is going up.  The need for blood donors is always high in the summer, with more people on the roads heading off on vacations. Unfortunately more people on the roads means more car accidents and a greater need for blood.

During the pandemic, elective and non-emergency surgeries were put on the back burner as hospitals continued to fill up with COVID-19 patients.  With so many restrictions in place and so many people working from home donating blood was not at the top of people's to-do list.

The Red Cross has said, " there is a severe blood shortage in the United States due to a surge in trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries".

So here we are.  Nationwide the Red Cross usually has at least a five-day supply of blood, but not now.  The need for blood is at its highest level, and the most sought-after type of blood is O, and supplies of that blood type would not even last a half day. The need has never been greater.

Wednesday, WILX will be having a Give Blood telethon to help the American Red Cross get the word out about the tremendous need for blood donors, The telethon starts at 4:30 am until 9 am, then at 4 pm until 8 pm.  Volunteers will be on hand to help you make an appointment to donate, and they will answer any questions you might have about becoming a blood donor.  You can even see me, I will be at the WILX  Give Blood Telethon,  6 am until 7 am.  Look at it as proof as to why I am on radio and not television.

The Red Cross needs your blood, especially type O.   Blood donations do save lives, be a hero and donate blood.

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