Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially Type O blood donors and those giving platelets.

IBM teams across the Americas will be hosting the #WeekofImpact October 16 – 20, 2023 where we will come together with our clients and communities, virtually or in person, to serve and give back to our communities benefitting those in need. The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage. What better way for Platform Engineering Services Americas and all IBMers to give back to our nation in need!

As announced earlier this month, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in, and distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals have been drastically reduced in recent weeks. There are several reasons for the drop in donor turnout – one of the busiest travels seasons on record, back-to-school activities – and back-to-back months of almost constant climate-driven disasters. Experts are forecasting an intense fall disaster season that could further impact the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood products to meet hospital demand.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood — an often-invisible emergency that the rest fo the world doesn’t see. As an O negative universal donor, I am on speed-dial with the American Red Cross and it is important to me to give blood multiple times per year. Please join me and Platform Engineering Services Americas during IBM’s Week of Impact to support this critical mission.

Together, through passion and teamwork, we can better the communities where we live and work! #WeekofImpact #GoodTechIBM

Thank you,
Lynn Davis
Associate Partner, Platform Engineering Services Americas