The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood amid a severe blood shortage. The recent winter storms have contributed to the shortage, causing 500 blood drive cancellations. About 20,000 blood and platelet donations were not collected. More winter storms are coming. A person who gets into a car accident can require 100 units of blood. People undergoing chemotherapy frequently need blood infusions as part of their treatment, according to the American Cancer Society.
These states are reporting low blood supply: New Jersey, Washington, Michigan, South Carolina, Minnesota, Illinois, and Florida, some with only a few days’ supply. The blood type most requested by hospitals is type O, which is the universal blood type that anyone can have infused. It’s always in high demand and in short supply.
“The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% decrease in blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative, and B negative blood,” they stated in a news release.
Who Can Donate Blood or Platelets?
Here are some of the criteria to donate blood.
- You must be in good health and feel well.
- Have healthy iron levels.
- Free of sexually transmitted infections.
- Have not donated blood in 56 days.
- Have not gotten any tattoos in three months.
If you are eligible, you can donate blood and blood products up to six times per year. If you are someone who is able to donate frequently, you can download the American Red Cross free Blood Donor app from the App store or on Google Play.
How To Donate Blood
If you want to donate blood, you can contact one of the following organizations to find a local blood donation site and to schedule an appointment to donate:
- AABB: www.wheretodonateblood.org; +1.301.907.6977
- America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org; +1.202.393.5725
- American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)
