BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The American Red Cross of Northern New England is making a pitch for more pints during this National Blood Donor Month.
Officials say while collections were successful in December, they are concerned about January and February with dozens of appointments left open.
The Red Cross says its blood supply has reached critically low levels and the number of blood donors has hit a 20-year low.
“Between Christmas and New Year’s we had a 7,000-unit shortfall in donations. We are trying to get the word out to get people to come in and donate,” said Dan Dowling of the American Red Cross. “We’re doing a bit better in Vermont over the past 10 days or so, but we’re still seeing about 35% of appointments going unfulfilled right now.”
The Red Cross says it works with 18 Vermont hospitals to provide blood to patients in need.
You can make an appointment to donate blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
