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.
-
IMPD searching for missing Indianapolis man, his son
37-year-old Leonardo Garcia-Reyes and 7-year-old Amir Garcia Escalante were last seen on Sunday, September 22 in the 5700 block of E. 86th Street.
Spending deal averts possible federal shutdown, funds government into December
A spending deal will avert a possible U.S. federal shutdown and funds the government into December, lawmakers said on Sunday when the agreement was announced publicly.
Thomas' triple-double leads Connecticut to win over Fever in WNBA playoff opener
Caitlin Clark finished with 11 points, recovering from a rough start. She also had eight assists. Kelsey Mitchell scored 21 points and Aliyah Boston added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Indiana.
Americans can order free COVID-19 tests beginning this month
U.S. households will be able to order as many as four nasal swab tests at COVIDTests.gov when the federal program reopens. The tests will be mailed directly to residences.
