Red Cross Says Emergency Blood Shortage May Delay Medical Procedures
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.
The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage to help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations -- such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall the Red Cross experienced Christmas and New Year's Day alone -- can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusions.
Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in. In recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of Type O blood products -- among the most transfused blood types -- to hospitals.
Don't wait. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit "RedCrossBlood.org" or call 1-(800)-RED-CROSS.
The Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering during National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who give in January will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas.
