Blood
Red Cross announces national blood shortage, ’emergency need’ for donations
Sep
American Red Cross bloodmobile. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
According to the Red Cross, which provides roughly 40% of the nation’s blood supply, the critical shortage comes after back-to-back months of “climate-driven disasters” and a nearly 25% drop in donations in August.
Hurricane Lee could exacerbate the problem more if the Red Cross isn’t able to collect blood products because of weather. During Hurricane Idalia in August, more than 700 units of blood and platelets went uncollected, the Red Cross says.
Fullerton, CA – January 20: A nurse draws blood from two people at an American Red Cross bloodmobile in Fullerton, California. January 20, 2022. The American Red Cross is facing a critical shortage of donated blood. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews
The American Red Cross attributes the steep drop in donations last month to one of the busiest travel seasons on record, coupled with back-to-school activities. They’re asking donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood or platelets.
Donors can use the Red Cross Blood App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
