The American Red Cross is warning of a severe nationwide blood shortage, with donations falling to a four-year summer low and some blood supplies reaching critically low levels.
The organization has issued a rare national blood crisis declaration, saying hospitals are already feeling the effects of the shortage and urging eligible donors to give as soon as possible.
John Vale, executive director of the American Red Cross Hudson Valley, said summer blood shortages are not unusual, but this year’s decline has been more significant.
“Donations have fallen to a four-year summer low,” Vale said, adding that all blood types are needed, with particular concern around type O blood.
The Red Cross says type O blood supplies have reached crisis levels. Vale confirmed that type O positive blood supplies have fallen to less than a one-day supply, leading the organization to limit shipments of type O blood to hospitals.
In practice, Vale said, that means hospitals may need to make difficult decisions about how blood is allocated, including for some elective procedures and certain cancer treatments.
“This is, again, how dire the situation is,” he said.
Summer challenges add pressure to blood supply
Vale said several factors have contributed to the decline in donations, including the usual challenges of the summer months.
He pointed to widespread heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illnesses as contributing factors that have affected donor turnout.
The Red Cross says blood shortages can become especially challenging during the summer because many regular donors are away, traveling, or otherwise unable to give.
Vale said the shortage is affecting communities nationwide, including the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.
He said that if each blood drive across the country saw just three additional donors, it could help significantly improve the supply situation.
Blood donations help locally and nationally
Vale emphasized that blood donations are needed on an ongoing basis because blood is a perishable resource.
Once donated, blood is processed, tested and sent where it is needed most. While the Red Cross can move blood supplies around the country, Vale said the organization also works to ensure local hospitals receive the blood they need.
“A neighbor” or someone across the country could benefit from a donation, he said.
Vale, who is also a blood donor, said he recently completed a Power Red donation, which collects two units of red blood cells from eligible donors.
How to donate
The Red Cross is encouraging healthy, eligible donors to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross blood donor app, at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Vale said potential donors can use their ZIP code to find nearby blood drives.
He said the goal is to rebuild the blood supply before hospitals face even greater challenges.
“We want to make sure we have a nice healthy blood supply,” he said.
Image: In this Dec. 20, 2011 file photo, donors give blood at a drive attempting to set a record for most single-day donations in Rutland, VT. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File)