Shortages adding to ‘national blood crisis’
Pandemic worsens need for donors, volunteers
A shortage of volunteers, nurses, technicians to draw blood and other resources have forced the American Red Cross to call for help during what officials are calling the “worst blood shortage in more than a decade.”
The situation is a convergence of factors, compounded by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, that has officials describing it as a “national blood crisis.”
The Red Cross issued an alert on Tuesday, calling blood supplies “dangerously low” with potential risks to patients and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will have to wait.
“The atmosphere of COVID – it’s impacted us with staffing shortages. It has forced the cancellation of blood drives at schools or colleges,” said Marita Salkowski, Red Cross communications director for the central and southern Ohio region.
Nationally, an almost two-thirds drop-off in blood drives has been seen at schools, fueled by a reluctance to participate due to fear of COVID-19 exposure, she said
In the central and southern Ohio region, there were about 80 canceled blood drives last month due to lack of staffing to hold them, Salkowski said. “That’s significant.”
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply. And it typically issues seasonal alerts for needed donations, usually when people are on vacation and can’t donate.
But with shortages of personnel and blood, the situation has become
especially dire, Salkowski said.
“It’s the first time we’re using the word ‘crisis,’” she said.
Blood and platelet donations are in critical need. Platelet donation requires a special machine to extract the binding and healing cells before returning blood to a donor. It may take three hours, compared to blood donations that takes 30 minutes or less.
Those having Type O blood, the universal blood type often used for emergency infusions, are especially needed, officials say.
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 were not being met, health officials reported.
The organization is asking the public not only to volunteer, but to understand that appointments to donate or receive blood may change.
“We’re moving blood drives every day to put the staff where they’ll be needed most,” Salkowski said. “We’re hoping for some understanding and patience as we try to resolve this crisis.”
The Red Cross is asking people to reschedule if their appointment to donate is canceled.
The organization is “actively recruiting phlebotomists “and offering paid training in blood-drawing technique, according to a news release. Those interested can visit Redcrossblood.org.
“Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care.” Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the
Red Cross, said in a written statement.
As a further incentive to help, the Red Cross and the NFL are offering those who donate blood, platelets or plasma in January the opportunity to be entered for a chance to win a a trip to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. There will be a separate drawing for a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Visit Redcrossblood.org/superbowl for more information.
To volunteer at a donation site to greet, drive or assist donors, go to redcross.org/volunteertoday. dnarciso@dispatch.com @Deannarciso