According to the American Red Cross, due to winter problems and pandemic-related issues, they are facing shortages on donated blood to the point of considering this to be at “Crisis Levels”, and say that this is the worst shortage they’ve seen in over a decade.
The Red Cross continues to report that, as it stands: “doctors are being forced to decide which patients receive blood transfusions and who must wait. It’s a dire situation…”, and that “In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.” The blood is used to treat those in critical situations due to accident and injury, but also in the use of standard medical treatments.
As the situation is dire, as said, The Red Cross has partnered with the NFL to do a give-away for those who give blood this January.
“Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.”
To look for more information regarding this issue, and to find a local blood drive near you, go to https://www.redcross.org/, or to volunteer, see https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/urgent-need-for-volunteers.html.
