WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- It takes you a few minutes and it can save a few lives. The American Red Cross is asking new donors and donors who haven't given in a few years to give blood and lifesaving products. The new #MissingType campaign shines light on the letters A, B, O - assigned to blood types - that you might not realize are missing, until they are gone.
In the past four years Red Cross donors have declined by 80,000 each year. According to them, the donor base is shrinking. Of course, that doesn't mean people don't need blood donations.
In a recent survey the Red Cross revealed a troubling disconnect between the public's perception of blood donations and the reality of the need. Three-quarters of the people surveyed underestimated how frequently blood transfusions happen. In America, a person needs a transfusion every two seconds. Nearly 45% said they knew someone who had been helped by a blood donation, yet only 3% of the population gives blood. More than 53% of people said they believed they needed to know their blood type before they donate - you don't.
You could be the #MissingType. To find a blood drive near you, visit this website.
