January 18, 2022
The American Red Cross recently announced the first-ever national blood crisis amid a shortage of donors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shortage of blood poses a significant challenge to hospitals in Pennsylvania and across the nation as they treat patients with COVID-19 and other conditions. Inclement winter weather has the potential to further limit blood drives this month, the Red Cross said today.
Despite a decreasing supply, the demand for blood continues for hospitals and patients around the nation. More donors are needed to ensure patients can receive medical treatments without delay, said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross.
“Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country,” Dr. Young said.
Here’s what you should know about the blood crisis and the challenges it presents for hospitals:
“And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others—donating blood must continue to be part of it,” Dr. Young said.
In Pennsylvania, most people can donate blood up to six times a year, if they are:
During National Blood Donor Month, HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospitals urge the general public to learn more about the blood donation opportunities in your community.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has compiled resources about the available blood donation centers in your community. Additional information is available online.
Tags: Public Health
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