American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage as donations plunge 25% in June
Donations dropped nearly 25% in June
The American Red Cross on Monday declared an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June.
The Red Cross says blood donors are urgently needed to give blood to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care.
In a press release Monday, the American Red Cross’ national headquarters said the shortage comes amid the “summer trauma season,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day “when the need for blood to treat traumatic injuries often increases.”
“Summer always brings challenges for the blood supply, but patients are still in the hospital, needing blood for critical medical care,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross.
Red Cross blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, the organization said, adding that “a steep decline” in blood donations since May’s end has created a gap between supply and patient need.
And that gap is growing, the Red Cross said.
The organization said that “busy schedules, temporary illness and the seasonal loss of school blood drives during summer break are driving the decline in donations, which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.”
The national headquarters said a recent Red Cross survey revealed a “significant gap” between public perception and the reality of the nation’s blood supply.
The survey found that less than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors.
Additionally, roughly half of the participants believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need blood one day — even though someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.
“Without blood available, emergency rooms and maternity wards are paralyzed, and patients with life-threatening conditions or injuries may not get the treatments they need. By donating blood, you help our doctors and nurses save lives. We urge all those who may be eligible to give now to end this shortage,” Lawrence said.
The Red Cross says all blood types are needed.
“This shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood, as well as AB plasma,” the Red Cross release states. “Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma patients, mothers in childbirth, and those with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk.”
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering Fandango Movie Tickets (up to $15 ticket price and fees) via email to donors who give at participating locations between July 13 and 31. Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Those who are able to donate are urged by the Red Cross to book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Locally, a blood drive is scheduled at North Strabane Township from noon to 6 p.m. July 30 at 1957 Route 519, Canonsburg, in the community room.
Here’s what’s required to donate:
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
People who are 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 years old and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.