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The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm on an extreme shortage of blood supplies. Blood donations aren’t keeping up with high demand from patients whose disease advanced while they deferred care during COVID-19, resulting in more blood transfusions.
“Also, the emotional toll of the pandemic appears to be contributing to an atypically high number of traumas, firearm injuries, drug overdoses and corresponding organ transplantation,” said Chris Hrouda, president of American Red Cross Biomedical Services. “When combined with the aggressive scheduling of catch-up surgeries, and the ongoing challenges of collecting in today’s environment, the stability of the nation’s blood supply is threatened.”
“Currently, all three Asante hospitals have an adequate supply,” said Jini Danis, director of Laboratory Services for ARRMC, “but we can’t be guaranteed that Red Cross will be able to fill all new orders. We may see reduced shipments.”
The Red Cross has expanded its collections capacity, but hiring and training staff, along with finding donors, has created a three-month lag. It is asking that hospitals “consider the pace” of elective surgeries and that providers confirm that their local blood bank has adequate supplies before scheduling procedures that may require blood.
Meanwhile, Asante employees and the general public are asked to donate blood. You can find the nearest collection location and make an appointment online at redcrossblood.org or download the Blood Donor app.
To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. See other eligibility criteria.
If you have a question, please contact the author or relevant department directly.
