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.
-
Trampoline accident leaves teenager with no feeling from the waist down
A Westfield family is speaking out about the dangers of trampolines after their son had a life-changing accident.
Local non-profit finds once-stolen food truck with kitchen interior missing
“The Smoking Pastor Project” had their food trailer stolen on August 10 in the 9000 block of Haverstick Road. The white trailer was recovered but was stripped of its kitchen interior.
Indiana seeking young workers as population growth is predicted to slow down
The Baby Boomer generation is aging out of the workforce. Indiana is now hoping to attract and retain enough young Hoosiers so the state can thrive after Generation X retires.
Indiana Fever fan group on social media brings people together
Thousands of Indiana Fever fans are connected through the Facebook group "True Indiana Fever Fans.” The group brings people together, just like the game on the court does.
