Blood centers across the country are in dire need of donors and donations, as reports show that blood donations drop by 20% throughout the summer.
Right now, the American Red Cross is asking for donors to step up, as donations have continued to slow since spring, resulting in shortages across the country.
“Donors are critically needed right now after a sharp decrease in donations since late spring. All blood types are needed, especially donors giving type O blood and those giving platelets,” the Red Cross shared earlier this month.
In Louisiana, the regional director of LifeShare Lake Charles, Shawn Melancon, shared with KPLCTV that they are struggling to get donors to come out, but demand is continuing to increase.
“The summers are always a difficult time for us; we always need donations during the summertime,” Melancon said. “The demand increases, the usage increases, but unfortunately, donations decrease. So, we need to try to get people to come out and donate. During the summertime, we are in the middle of hurricane season, so that can cause an additional layer of problems in the blood supply.”
In an effort to encourage donors to take a break from their busy summer schedules, the Red Cross teamed up with Universal Studios, offering anyone who gives blood or platelets in the month of July a free Fandango Movie Ticket.
Those who give blood will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn.
Melancon highlighted the impact that one donor can have, saying up to three people can benefit from a single donation.
“Unfortunately, lately, the blood supply has been at a consistently low level. We have been fighting with a shortage of the blood supply,” Melancon said.
To be eligible to donate, the Red Cross says that donors must be 17 or older, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be relatively healthy.