INDIANAPOLIS — The American Red Cross announced this week it is facing its first-ever “national blood crisis” with its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage has led doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more blood is available.
LaMar Holliday, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Indiana Region, said the pandemic, severe winter weather, supply chain and staffing challenges, and the holidays have contributed to the shortage.
“These challenges have resulted in the lowest national blood inventories in more than a decade,” Holliday said in an email. “At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met. What is even more challenging at this time is that blood supply levels have remained at historically low levels now for nearly four months.”
All blood types are needed, but Type O is especially low. The Red Cross reported having less than a one-day supply of some blood types in recent weeks while having to limit distributions to hospitals.
The pandemic has created challenges for the Red Cross with a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood and a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges.
People can make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Donors who give blood or plasma in January will be entered in a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVI in Lon Angeles. People will also be entered in a drawing to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
-
Anthony Richardson hopes to return from injury when the Colts host the Dolphins
Richardson may not have a final answer until pregame warmups, but all signs point to the second-year quarterback returning from his right hip injury this week.
New generation to pay tribute to 'Paramount Music Palace'
Justin Stahl will headline “Remember the Paramount: The Next Generation” on October 20 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.
2 people seriously injured in downtown Indianapolis shooting
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the intersection of W. 10th Street and St. Margarets Drive on reports of a person shot just after 2:30 p.m.
Bargersville Fire Department gives tips on how to protect your home from fires
As temperatures continue to tumble across central Indiana, first responders are reminding Hoosiers how to protect their homes and businesses.
