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.
-
Blake Shelton to perform at Fishers Event Center in March 2025
The new Fishers Event Center is just a month away from officially opening its doors — and it just announced one of its biggest shows to date.Investigators rule cause of massive Richmond warehouse fire "undetermined"
Fire investigators have ruled the cause of the massive Richmond warehouse fire as “undetermined," WRTV Investigates learned.Man found dead with gunshot wounds on Indy's northeast side
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead with gunshot wounds on the northeast side of Indianapolis on Monday.Hoosiers helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene
Hoosiers are helping those impacted by Helene — whether they are on-site helping communities recover, flying above the flooding to deliver aid, or collecting things for those in need.