Shortage of Blood, Public’s help needed

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The American Red Cross needs the public’s help in getting more blood.

Brain Fern, Senior Account Manager of Red Cross, said there were 61,000 fewer donations for May and June, leaving the organization with a critical shortage.

But, Jennifer Trevino is a first time blood donor who gave blood Friday to help the shortage.

“I like the idea of my blood being given to someone to help save a life,” Trevino said.

A pint of blood is how much she gave. Trevino said she’s been waiting for years to give blood.

“I was too young basically, cause I’ve always wanted to and I’ve always been waiting until the right age, so I could do it,” she said.

Fern said Red Cross doesn’t know why they have a shortage, but Fern thinks it’s because of the change of the weather.

“Obviously we do see a reduction in donors when it starts to warm up because people are out exploring things, they’re having family vacations, but to have that significant decrease coming into the summer months has really hurt us,” he said.

Trevino said other people should help increase the number of donors.

“I think everybody should do it because you can, you know, if you can give a pint of blood like why don’t you?”

And for every one pint someone gives, it can help save three lives.

Fern said a pint can also help save 9 babies.

For more information on giving blood visit redcrossblood.org. 

The American Red Cross will be in the Middle Georgia area for the next month. The list of locations and times are listed below: