Red Cross announces urgent need for donations

close up of blood extraction in lab

The Red Cross is calling for more people to donate blood after experiencing a nationwide shortage of blood and platelet donations, KBTX.com reported.

Blood donations decreased by an estimated 10 percent across the country in June, with the Red Cross receiving 50,000 fewer donations than was expected, according to a statement released by the organization.

"Right now, we've kind of hit a wall. For some reason or other, the donors just aren't turning out like they used to," Jessica Amaro, a representative for the American Red Cross Heart of Texas Chapter, told KBTX.com.

Representatives from the organization say they believe that a surge in donations earlier in the year – related to the Boston Marathon bombings, tornados in Oklahoma and the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas – caused a subsequent dip in donations.

"So a lot of our regular donors really turned out for that and came out and donated. And you can only donate every 56 days,” Amaro told KBTX.com.

Amaro pointed out that a blood donation from just one person can help save up to three lives.

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To find out more about donating blood or platelets to the Red Cross, 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.