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.
-
Pa and Ma's Backyard BBQ to appear on The Food Network after owner was killed
On Friday at 9 p.m., Pa and Ma's will be featured on The Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri.Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency battles backlog
When it comes to processing evidence, the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is backed up. That means delays for law enforcement requesting information for cases.Brown County Commissioners reverse course on Juneteenth vote
While making the 2025 holiday schedule, one commissioner suggested calling Juneteenth “Old Settlersteenth Day.” They agreed on “Brown County Appreciation Day” instead.Historic Stout's Shoes taking steps towards a new era
Stout's Carmel location is reopening on Oct. 18 after a three-year absence. The revamped Carmel store is a contrast to the original location.