The American Red Cross announced a severe emergency blood shortage on Monday, urging the public to donate. The organization, which is a major supplier of blood products for U.S. hospitals, reported that hospital demand has exceeded the available blood supply. Approximately one-third of the Red Cross's blood stores nationwide have been depleted.
Key factors contributing to the decreased donations include:
- Inclement winter weather, which led to the cancellation of over 400 Red Cross blood drives across the U.S.
- A moderately severe flu season, impacting donor eligibility and availability.
Dr. Courtney Lawrence, divisional chief medical officer at the American Red Cross, stated that low blood supplies affect the treatment capability for various patients, including trauma, chemotherapy, and sickle cell disease patients. The Red Cross emphasized the critical need for donations.
A patient, Reihaneh Hajibeigi, shared her experience of requiring multiple blood transfusions in 2023 following complications after childbirth. She recounted losing approximately 40% of her blood volume during a procedure and receiving transfusions to stabilize her condition. Hajibeigi expressed the importance of blood donations and encouraged others to contribute.