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.
-
Diversion Program allows officers to refer troubled teens to Boys & Girls Club
A teen outreach program is hoping to expand into all of IMPD's districts. It's called the Diversion Program and it helps troubled teens avoid the justice system.
Hoosiers Spread Awareness: Many Women Unaware of Endometriosis
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s also Endometriosis Awareness month. It’s painful condition that impacts many women, and some might not even know they have it.
'You're a little anxious': Hoosier farmers concerned about impact of tariffs
Trump announced potential changes to his tariff war, threatening a new 250% tariff on Canadian dairy and lumber to aid American farmers. However, some farmers expressed concerns about the uncertainty.
Indiana family seeks justice after loved one killed in deadly hit-and-run
An Indiana family is seeking justice after their loved one was killed in a hit and run on Indy’s near east one less than a week ago.
