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Red Cross Declares A National Blood Crisis And Is Offering Incentives

Author Melanie Day

The American Red Cross is facing what they are referring to as a national blood crisis. This equates to the worst blood shortage in more than 10 years. The need for blood is there as we are still dealing with the pandemic combined with the typical need for blood. This shortage is posing a concerning risk to patient care. Without an adequate blood supply, doctors are forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who has to wait. 

What is causing the national blood shortage crisis?

  • 10% overall blood donation decline since March 2020.
  • 62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic. Student donors accounted for ~25% of donors in 2019 accounted for just ~10% during the pandemic.
  • Ongoing blood drive cancellations due to illness, weather-related closures and staffing limitations.
  • Additional factors like a surge of COVID-19 cases and an active flu season may compound the already bad situation.
Supply of critical blood types 

According to the Red Cross, they supply 40% of the nation’s blood. The organization has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals as a result of the shortage. In fact, some hospitals are only receiving 25% of the blood they need. Since blood is unable to be manufactured or stockpiled, it can only be made available to those that need it through the kindness of volunteer donors. Right now there is less than a one-day supply of critical blood types.

All blood types of needed but the need is desperate for Type O Positive and Type O Negative. O Positive is the most common blood type while O Negitive is universal. It is what is grabbed by emergency room doctors when time is of the essence. Platlet supplies are also criitally low right now. Platelets must be transfused within 5 days of donation and are commonly used for cancer patients.

A Chance To Win

As a special incentive and thank-you for donating during this blood crisis, the Red Cross has teamed up with the NFL to offer one lucky winner the chance of a lifetime. One individual who donates will receive an exciting 2022 Super Bowl LVI getaway to Los Angeles and the opportunity to experience the first Super Bowl in SoFi Stadium.

Learn more»

Where To Donate In NC?

  • Charlotte Blood Donation Center: 2425 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28203

 

Sign up to donate and help the national blood crisis

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Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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