Red Cross experiences ‘severe’ blood shortage

WAUSAU, Wis — Locally, blood drives will be held in Crystal Falls on July 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory – according to a news release issued June 15.
Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.
In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021 — more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.  
“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Greg Novinska, regional donor services executive for Red Cross Wisconsin Region.
According to the Red Cross, there is also a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions.
Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs.
As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.
June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, an important day for the more than 100,000 individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. Most people with this disease are of African descent and will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Some individuals with sickle cell disease may require as many as 100 units of blood per year.
The Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African-American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.
Since the best blood match for a patient receiving ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to give blood and increase the number of diverse donors so it can find the best match for all patients.
To schedule an appointment to give blood can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Additional information is available at redcrossblood.org/together.