The Red Cross announced its blood supply levels have reached "emergency levels." The health organization expects fewer than 50,000 donations in June —roughly half of what was available at this time last year.
"There is always the chance that a physician could postpone an elective surgery if the needed blood products aren't readily available," said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer for the American Red Cross.
"In a worst case scenario, a physician may have to forgo performing a more serious procedure for a patient because of a shortage of blood. We need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn't get to that point," he added.
The Red Cross said it needs all types of blood, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative.
To donate call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.
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