The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm regarding a nationwide blood shortage. They are reporting the worst blood shortage in over a decade.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage is at the point where doctors have to decide who gets transfusions and who has to wait.
There are several reasons for the shortage. High school and college blood drives have been suspended due to the pandemic, eliminating a significant source of donors.
Blood drives have been canceled all over due to illness, weather, and staffing shortages. Fluctuating levels of both COVID-19 infections and seasonal flu have had an impact on blood drives as well.
The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply and has had to limit distribution to hospitals due to low supply. There has been a less than a one-day supply of critical blood types in recent weeks.
Type O positive and negative are the most needed blood types. Platelets are also needed, mostly for cancer patients. With a short five-day shelf life, platelets are in short supply as well.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=48060
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
