MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The American Red Cross says it is facing only the second nationwide blood crisis in its history, as a sharp drop in donations has left hospitals with critically low supplies, particularly of Type O blood.
Matt Trotter, regional communications director for the American Red Cross, said the organization first declared a blood crisis in January 2022. The current shortage follows a 25 percent decline in the nation's blood supply during June, driven by a combination of extreme summer heat, widespread wildfires, foodborne illness outbreaks and the seasonal slowdown in donations.
"Normally in the summer we see people sort of drop off in donation frequency," Trotter said. "But we've had a lot of other things on top of that this year that have really pushed the number of donors down."
While more people have responded to recent appeals for donations, Trotter said the increase has not been enough to replenish supplies.
The shortage has been especially severe for Type O blood, the universal blood type used in many emergency situations. Trotter said the Red Cross has had to limit Type O blood distributions to some hospitals, with certain locations reporting only a one-day supply.
Although the Red Cross cannot confirm whether specific medical procedures have been delayed because of the shortage, Trotter said hospitals may be forced to prioritize emergency care over elective procedures when blood supplies become critically low.
He noted that during previous shortages, some cancer patients experienced delays in receiving platelet transfusions because of limited availability.
The Red Cross supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation's blood and partners with more than 100 hospitals in Kansas. Volunteers play a major role in transporting blood products to hospitals throughout the region.
Trotter emphasized that donating blood is a relatively simple process, taking about an hour from registration through refreshments afterward, while the actual blood donation lasts around 10 minutes. A single donation can help save multiple lives.
He also encouraged people who think they may not qualify to donate to check with their healthcare provider or the Red Cross, noting that many common medical conditions, including well-managed diabetes, do not necessarily prevent someone from giving blood.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering a $20 Amazon gift card by email to anyone who donates blood between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31.