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The national blood supply has dropped about 35% in a month, forcing the American Red Cross to issue a severe blood shortage.
WASHINGTON — The American Red Cross is warning of a severe blood shortage after the national blood supply dropped about 35% over the past month, as a nationwide flu outbreak and winter weather continues to impact donations.
Hospitals already stretched by high flu activity are now being forced to carefully manage limited blood supplies, putting patients who rely on transfusions at risk, according to the Red Cross.
Last month alone, about 400 blood drives were impacted by winter weather, the Red Cross said. That’s more than three times the number affected during the same period last year, leaving thousands of donations uncollected.
The shortage is especially critical for types O, A negative and B negative, the organization said. Hospitals are now being forced to triage blood products, prioritizing the most urgent cases.
Patients who depend on transfusions, including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with cancer or sickle cell disease, could face delays without more donors.
How can you help?
The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to book appointments now at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Most donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. All blood types are needed.
Blood donors eligible for Super Bowl ticket giveaway
The Red Cross is also offering some incentives to give blood. Donors who give blood through Jan. 25 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. Those who donate between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to various merchants.
“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of record flu activity and winter weather is impeding donation efforts,” Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross said in a press release.
“Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”
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