Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 8, 2024) — Today, the American Red Cross declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage, driven by the lowest number of blood donors in two decades. Critically low levels of blood supplies across the country pose a potential threat to patient care, prompting the Red Cross of Utah to appeal to the local community's generosity to donate blood and ensure availability for life-saving treatments.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross nationwide has plummeted by over 40%, from 3.7 million donors in 2002 to 2.1 million in 2022. “The decline in blood donors doesn't stem from a single cause,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Changes in lifestyles and work patterns have contributed to the decline over the years.”
With fewer donors, even minor blood collections disruptions, like the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall nationwide between Christmas and New Year’s Day, significantly impact blood product availability potentially leading to dire consequences for patients requiring emergency blood transfusions. The current hospital demand for blood outpaces incoming donations. In recent weeks, the Red Cross had to limit distributions of type O blood products – one of the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
Addressing the Crisis: Urgent Call for Donations
The Red Cross plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing around 40% of all collected blood. To meet the needs of patients at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross must collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, approximately 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“The only way to obtain transfusable blood is through donations. We rely on the generosity of others to give blood so it’s available when needed,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. “Any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could one day need a transfusion. Yet, in the U.S., where 62% of the population is eligible to give, only about 3% does.”
Critical Winter Shortfall: A National Challenge
The slowdown in donations, affecting communities nationwide, is exacerbated during winter months due to seasonal illnesses and severe weather conditions. “The Red Cross, as the nation’s single largest blood services provider, can move blood to areas in need,” said Ruster. “Fortunately, there is hope in ending this blood emergency with a simple act of kindness – donating blood.”
Donate Blood and Win: Red Cross NFL Partnership
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.
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.