Red Cross: Blood donors needed, supply historically low
MILWAUKEE - The American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically low blood supply levels.
"We’re at levels we haven’t seen for quite some time," said Mark Thomas with the American Red Cross. "For whatever reason this year, when we take a look at the national statistics, the blood levels of the shelves is very low, lower than we’ve seen it in many recent years."
The problem has only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many traditional blood drive hosting locations, like schools and religious organizations, have not been opening their doors. As a result, other sites step up.
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"We’re oftentimes having a blood drive at a non-traditional location if you will, a microbrewery, where we will have a promotion called ‘give a pint, get a pint,'" Thomas said.
As a result of the shortage, the blood supply across the country is so low that patients in need of care may have to delay treatment. It is a fragile balance of getting supplies while they are available and having enough in reserves to handle unexpected emergencies.
American Red Cross blood drive
"Significant events like a fire, or unfortunate tragedy that happened in Waukesha. Those are prime examples of why need to have blood on the shelf," said Thomas.
There is a way to get things back on track, Thomas said: "Blood is something that you can donate pretty quickly, and pretty inexpensively. You can save a life if you make a donation of blood."
To find an upcoming blood drive or place to donate near you, visit the Red Cross website.
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How to donate blood
Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
To encourage donors to help address the historically low blood supply this holiday season, all who come to give Dec. 17-Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
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