The American Red Cross has declared a national blood emergency and is urging all eligible individuals to give blood to help ensure patients receive the transfusions and care they need. The emergency comes after the nation’s blood supply fell by nearly 25% during June due to a concerning drop in blood donations.
This decline in the blood supply and in donation appointments comes at a time when maintaining a stable blood inventory is especially difficult. During the summer months, schools and colleges are on break, resulting in fewer blood drives that typically help support the blood supply.
At the same time, more people are traveling and spending time outdoors, increasing the likelihood of accidents and traumatic injuries. According to AAA, fatal crashes involving teen drivers increase by 30% during the so-called ‘100 Deadliest Days’ which run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
A trauma patient can require as many as 100 units of blood, and it is the blood already on hospital shelves and ready for use that can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.
Unlike other medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled indefinitely. It must be continually replenished because it remains available for transfusion for only a limited period of time—just a few weeks for red blood cells and only a few days for platelets.
This blood shortage is especially critical for patients who need B-negative and O-positive blood.
The most important way to help during this blood emergency is to make an appointment to give blood today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).