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.
-
Indy man plans to run all six world marathons in 2024
Six marathons. One year. That’s the goal of an Indianapolis man, who’s running in honor of his friend who died of cancer last year.3 Greenfield brothers face same rare brain abnormality
All three Niece brothers have Chiari Malformation. Essentially it's extra brain matter that goes past the skull. It can cause several issues, from sickness to headaches, and even balance problems.Bridge opens as first phase of $125M Noblesville project
Hundreds came out for the “Party on Pleasant,” which had food, games, and more to support the project that’s been forty years in the making.Indy school celebrates Latin American culture during Hispanic Heritage Month
On Thursday, Enlance Academy hosted a community culture event to showcase different Latin American countries. The school celebrated Argentina, Columbia, Mexico, Nicaragua and more.