LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8, 2024 — 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 and 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 in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between 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 transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.
Who donations help
Christina Rodriguez knows firsthand how important a readily available blood supply is as blood transfusions have saved her life. As a first-time mom, Rodriguez faced life-threatening hemorrhaging and blood loss. Urged by doctors, and encouraged by her loved ones, Rodriguez received a lifesaving blood transfusion.
“I couldn't imagine my son living without a mom,” Rodriguez said. “It’s so important to donate blood or to receive blood. It can make such a big difference in your health; you need it to survive. You need it to be around for your family.”
Rodriguez learned that every time she gave birth there would be the possibility of hemorrhaging. Which she did. She went through the transfusion process two more times, the second involving an emergency C-section with her son London and the third time with her son Elijah. Armed with experience and first-hand knowledge, she felt comfortable and came to trust the transfusion process.
A sufficient blood supply is critical to being able to provide timely care for all patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions. It's the blood on the shelves that helps in times of emergency. All blood types are needed, and platelet donors and type O blood donors are especially urged to donate now and throughout the winter.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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