Blood Supplies Down: Give the Gift of Life

Typically,  summertime is when blood supplies are critically low.

And,  according to the American Red Cross blood supplies remain at seriously low levels even after hundreds of area residents responded to the national appeal for blood donors.

The Red Cross reports donations are going out to area hospitals just as quickly as they're coming in.

American Red Cross officers say they're grateful to those who've already giving blood.

The Arizona Blood Services Region provides blood to 26 hospitals and must have 300 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand.

Accident victims,  as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day.

Blood collections are low at a time when the Red Cross has been working to rebuild its inventories.  The triple-digit temperatures have made it hard to recruit enough  donors to give blood.

And,  heat-related issues are  forcing the Red Cross to cancel blood drives or close them early.

That means cancellation of hundreds of scheduled blood donations.

Eligible blood donors  may call 1-800-RED CROSS or (Click Here) to find a blood drive and to make an appointment.