INDIANAPOLIS — The American Red Cross is warning people of a severe blood shortage and asking for donors to come forward. June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, recognizing those who give the gift of blood.
A blood drive at the municipal offices in Whitestown Monday was booked solid with more than 50 appointments. But the American Red Cross Indiana Region reports only having about a half-day supply of blood in reserve.
"We have elective surgeries, organ transplants and traumatic cases are being pulled back because the supply is down," said LaMar Holliday, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Indiana Region. "So we're taking this opportunity to let people know that we really need people to come out to donate blood."
Holliday said people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine can donate blood without any waiting period as long as they report which vaccine they received. Donors can find the nearest blood drive online here.
Versiti Blood Center also said their blood supply is also extremely low, with less than a day's supply of type O blood, which can be used for all blood types. Versiti asks donors to wait until three days after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to donate blood.
Appointments to donate are available at donate.indiana.versiti.org.