The Red Cross is declaring the nation's first ever blood crisis. A historic shortage is leaving hospitals empty as some blood centers are down to less than a day supply. The pandemic has led to blood drives being canceled amid the COVID surge, being made worse by winter storms. Donations are at their lowest, dropping 34-percent last year.
“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care.”
In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.
The Red Cross warns if this continues, some patients may not get the life-saving blood they need.
To donate, use their website RedCross.org
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