The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
During September and October, the Red Cross collected more than 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed.
Fewer blood drives in September and October, coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.
An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.
American Red Cross External Communications Manager Jan Hale put the situation in even more perspective.
“The Red Cross tries to keep a five-day supply of blood on hand to answer patient needs,” she said. “Right now, we are at less than a three-day supply. For us, it is a severe shortage. I can also tell you the blood is being shipped to hospitals faster than the donations are actually coming in. It’s a tough time.”
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