We Have an Urgent Need for Blood and Platelet Donors
We are thankful for those who found an alternative way to help after Hurricane Matthew: becoming a Red Cross blood or platelet donor! We have a national blood inventory and can move blood products wherever they are needed including storm affected areas in the Southeast where approximately 100 blood drives have been cancelled.
If you’re in an area unaffected by the storm, please schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Wait, Why Are Platelets So Important?
Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and needed by some of the most critically ill patients – cancer and trauma patients, those undergoing organ transplants and premature babies regularly need platelets. Platelets must be transfused within five days of donation and, therefore, are always in great demand.