The Red Cross in Missouri says the summer’s blood shortage is over, but the need remains constant.
Ann Vastmans of the Northern and Central Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross says this can be a tough time of the year for blood donors.
“Life gets in the way," Vastmans says. "People are busy. People are getting into that rhythm again after enjoying the summer, and so that's why we do like to remind people about that need.”
Vastmans says even with the shortage being over they continue to encourage donors to stop- even their “regulars.”
“I have talked to somebody who has donated 100 times. We have talked to people and seeing people at our donation sites that is their fifth gallon," Vastmans explains.
She says the need for blood is constant, especially of type “O-Negative” blood. Supplies should get a boost this week when the University of Missouri hosts its annual blood drive, which is billed as the largest student-run blood drive in the nation. Last year, they collected a record 5,000 units of blood at the event.
Missourinet