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.
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.
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.
Where To Donate In NC?
- Charlotte Blood Donation Center: 2425 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28203