Red Cross seeks blood donations amid ‘emergency’ shortage
NEW HAVEN — The American Red Cross is seeking blood donations to ensure that hospital and patient needs can be met, as the organization experiences what is said is an “emergency blood and platelet shortage” that has left its supply “historically low” for this time of year.
Donor turnout “reached the lowest levels of the year” in recent weeks, “as many delayed giving amid a return to the workplace and in-person learning, as well as a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country due to the delta variant,” Red Cross representatives said in a Monday morning email
The Red Cross’ blood reserves are at the lowest they’ve been “at this time of year since 2015, with less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks,” the agency said.
“Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds as donors are more available to give than during the busy summer months, but this year has presented a unique and serious challenge,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer for the Red Cross.
“While it’s clear the pandemic continues to weigh heavily on our minds, the Red Cross asks the public to remember donating blood and platelets is essential to the many patients that rely on lifesaving transfusions every day.”
The organization “must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs,” according to the agency.
Those interested can make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767), officials noted.
“As a thank-you, all those who come to donate through Sept. 30 and help tackle the emergency blood shortage will receive a limited-edition football-inspired T-shirt while supplies last, plus a coupon for a free haircut via email from Sport Clips Haircuts,” officials said.
Futher, “All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.”
Among other upcoming blood drives, those interested can come to the Burroughs Community Center at 2470 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today, officials said.