The Red Cross Is in Desperate Need of Blood Donors

Blood donations have fallen drastically in the past 2 months, leaving The Red Cross, which provides about 40 percent of blood supply to hospitals, in desperate need of donors.

The organization reported that it received roughly 37,000 fewer donations than usual in the months of November and December. The shortage in turn out—likely the result of bad weather conditions and the hectic nature of the holiday season—meant that those who would typically go out of their way to donate did not get the opportunity.

Furthermore, multiple blood drives were shut down in the Midwest because of severe weather and snowstorms, so even those who had intentions of braving a storm just to give blood did not have the option to do so. In parts of Minnesota because nearly 100 blood drives were cancelled, and more than 3,000 blood donations went uncollected.

Nick Gehrig, communications director at Red Cross Blood Services reported that “blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on.” He added that, “right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”