A troubling drop in blood donations since last month may put a strain on American Red Cross blood supply in the United States.
The group is concerned that the number of blood donations will continue to decline.
According to Tiffany Taylor of the American Red Cross, blood donation is often lower this time of year since more people are traveling and fewer blood drives are held.
According to officials, if blood is not easily accessible, elective surgeries may be postponed.
Low contributions, according to Taylor, are especially troubling for the nearly 100,000 Americans who have sickle cell disease.
“There is no widely available cure and they often rely on regular blood transfusions to manage their pain and prevent life-threatening complications.”
While donors of all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is especially in need of type O, which is always in high demand.
The Portland Red Cross Blood Donation Center is on North Vancouver Avenue and walk-ins are always welcome.
