Red Cross Blood Shortage

Lawler says every two seconds somebody in the county needs blood, and the American Red cross supplies 40 percent of the nation's blood supply  

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Communications manager Suzanne Lawler says during the summer seasons donating blood isn’t necessarily at the top of most people’s list.  

“But it is the most altruistic thing you can do. we have blood drives here in this office every Wednesday and I talk to people. And they come in and day my family member needed blood, I need a blood transfusion, I’m doing this in honor of somebody. It is the most selfless thing you can do is, to give blood to somebody”, said Lawler 

Lawler says every two seconds somebody in the county needs blood, and The American Red cross supplies 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply  

“So, we want to make sure there is always a health supply of blood on the shelves. Summertime and during the winter months, people are just on vacation, and it may not be at the top of their list, but the need for blood is constant, and we want to make sure the blood is on the shelves”, said Lawler

She explains why donations are low  

“During the summertime a lot of people are traveling and that can cause the rate of accidents to go up. One car accident, one person may need 100 units of blood. And if you think about it that’s 100 people walking through the door, to do this selfless act and to help save lives” said Lawler

Dorothy Mitchell and she volunteers at the Macon Red Cross, she says giving back helps so many people 

“Can you imagine if people didn’t give blood. Of course, I hate needles but it’s part of it. And it’s supposed to be healthy for you to give blood”, said Mitchell

And if you are someone you know is interested in donating you can call 1-800 red cross, go to red-cross-blood.org, or download the blood donor app. 

Macon’s American red cross has blood drives every Wednesday at 6080 Lakeside Commons drive, from 11 am until 2:30 pm