We in SE Texas are very fortunate. Vanessa Valdez with the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region says we are not in a state of emergency in blood supply.
The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage in other areas of the nation with supplies dropping to critically low levels and the number of people donating at the lowest level in 20 years.
“We are very grateful that we are out of the blood shortage. Those needs have been met, but we always need blood, and we always ask people to donate,” Valdez tells KTRH News.
There are four major blood groups, determined by the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B, AB, and O. They can be Rh negative or positive. It is helpful in a medical crisis to know your blood type.
“When you donate blood, they can tell you what your blood type is. If you just ask them, they’ll be able to tell you,” Valdez adds.
Ever 2 seconds someone is in need of blood.
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