Blood Supplies in Missouri Low this Summer, Platelet Supplies Critically Low

(Missourinet) Blood supplies across Missouri are declining this summer. Joe Zidlo of the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas says there are fewer blood drives during the summer months due to schools and colleges being largely on break:

“We’re already in an 18 to 20 percent hole when you get to mid- to late May and through August because schools are out…that’s where we do 18 to 20 percent of our blood drives are at schools throughout the country, and it’s no different here in Missouri.”

Donating blood takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Zidlo says there’s an even more critical need for blood platelets, which are used to help treat cancer patients. To schedule an appointment, visit redcross.org.