The Red Cross has declared a nationwide blood crisis for the first-ever time in its history. The Red Cross announced that the country faces its worst blood shortage in 10 years. This is largely due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.
“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply,” the Red Cross’ medical director, Dr. Baia Lasky, said in a statement.
The organization explained that it has seen a 10% decline in overall donation since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. The statement explained that some of this is due to blood drives being cancelled at colleges and high schools due to the pandemic.
The organization didn’t specify if the two were linked, but they are seeing blood drives cancelled due to bad weather and illness.
“Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care,”Lasky stated.
They are looking for people with Type O positive and Type O negative blood, in particular, as they can also donate platelets.
Red Cross has a call for volunteers, in addition to blood.
For an appointment, please visit the following Website.