The American Red Cross is warning of an imminent shortage in blood supply is imminent, as blood donations decline, dropping by around eight percent in the past three months. In dire need of more blood, the organization has called on the public for their help.

As donations decrease, the organization fears that supply may not be enough to respond to emergency transfusions.  

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Because Independence Day fell on a Friday this year and people took advantage of the long weekend by going away on vacations, there were fewer blood drives and less blood drive sponsors in early July.

While the Red Cross could usually schedule 4,400 blood drives at that time period, only 3,450 pushed through.

The scarcity of blood drives resulted in 80,000 blood donations less than what the organization expected.

Jeff Allen, Chief Executive for the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region, led the appeal for more blood donations.

"Please, consider giving the gift of life," he said. "Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for patients in need - and you never know when it could be your loved one needing blood."

All blood types are being sought, most especially Type B negative, A negative and O negative.

Being the universal blood type, O negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type who are in need of a transfusion.

Donated platelets, the component vital to the clotting of blood, are also urgently requested.

According to the American Red Cross, individuals aged 17 years or older, in fairly good health and weighing around 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. Those aged 18 and below can donate if they meet the minimum specific height and weight set for younger people.

Donors can donate blood every 56 days.

Donors are requested to present either a blood donor card or driver's license, or two other identification cards before donating.

TagsAmerican Red Cross, blood, blood donor, blood donation, blood drive, blood transfusion