The nation faces a critically low blood supply as we’re experiencing the biggest shortage in 20 years. With blood products being used at a faster rate than donations are coming in, hospitals are dangerously close to an unthinkable situation.

Donated blood is used in various aspects of the hospital like life-saving blood transfusions for sickle cell patients, treating trauma or burn victims in the emergency department, cancer patients and women who recently gave birth, just to name a few instances.

Timing is of the essence; Piedmont Columbus Regional’s primary blood supplier, the American Red Cross, needs your help now to address this emergency blood shortage and save lives by preventing the supply to run out entirely.

“Blood supply is critical in our ability to serve patients, and we depend on the American Red Cross for this supply,” said Christopher Edwards, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Piedmont Columbus Regional. “All Piedmont hospitals are working with the Red Cross to make sure we are appropriately stocked and are taking steps to conserve blood where we can.”

There isn’t a blood type out there that would be turned away— all are welcome and needed. Platelet donors and Type O blood donors, especially, are encouraged to donate.

Visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you and consider rolling up your sleeves to give blood. Every donation puts us one step closer to overcoming this emergency blood shortage and saving lives.