The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by more than 40%.
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. When fewer people donate blood, any 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 – have a more significant and immediate effect on patients in need of blood.
The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels in recent weeks across the country. 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 some of the most transfused blood types to hospitals.
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross celebrates those who give blood and platelets to help save lives – especially now, as we work to ensure a stable blood supply amid an emergency blood shortage
While all blood types are needed, platelet donors and type O blood donors are urgently needed.
Make an appointment to give blood now! Visit RedCrossBlood.org. Download the Blood Donor App. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).