American Red Cross reports ‘emergency blood shortage’
The American Red Cross says it is seeing the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.
“The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country,” said Nicole Roschella, spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Greater Pittsburgh. “Blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.”
With winter being a historically slow time for blood donations, health care professionals across the county are urging residents to donate. Blood donations are used to help accident and burn patients; heart surgery and organ transplant patients; and cancer patients.
Representatives from Butler Memorial Hospital, UPMC and the Allegheny Health Network said they are not currently experiencing a blood shortage. The Red Cross, however, which only supplies blood donations to VA Butler Healthcare, is seeing record low donations.
The number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40% over the last 20 years, according to the organization. The Red Cross reported a nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
“One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blood bank,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Doctors often can’t operate without blood available to make surgeries, medical procedures and treatments possible. More challenges lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation.”
Vitalant is a nonprofit blood and biotherapies health care organization that supplies blood to all UPMC and Allegheny Health Network hospitals in Western Pennsylvania. Vitalant spokesperson Kristen Lane said even though there is not a critical situation in terms of blood donations, it is still important to donate.
“At this point Vitalant is not at an emergency situation, it’s still important for people to donate,” Lane said. “Hospital needs can change on a dime. We never know when there is going to be an emergency.”
Melissa Forster, marketing and communications specialist for Butler Memorial Hospital, said the hospital is not experiencing a shortage of blood products, but residents are still encouraged to donate blood.
“Donating blood is a great way to help others in need of lifesaving care, and we work closely with our blood product suppliers, such as Community Blood Bank and Vitalant, to manage our resources closely,” Forster said.
Lane credits the cold weather, road conditions, and school delays and closings for the shortage in donations.
“Colleges and schools provide about 20% of our donor supply,” Lane said.
Lane urges those who are not feeling well or have cold and flu symptoms to stay home.
“If you’re not feeling well, we ask you not to donate blood,” Lane said. “We invite you back to donate blood when you’re feeling better.”
