Blood donors urgently needed
The following statement has been issued by AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross regarding the status of the nation’s blood supply:
The blood supply in the United States is dangerously low – an uncommon occurrence for this time of year. It is safe to donate blood and all eligible individuals – including those who have received a COVID- 19 vaccine – are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets now to ensure that blood products will be available for all patients when needed.
Blood centers across the country are currently reporting low blood supplies as the Delta variant continues to spread. With the recent COVID-19 case surge and the busy back-to-school period, some blood collection organizations are experiencing an abnormal decline in donor turnout; others are experiencing blood drive cancellations at schools and businesses limiting the number of individuals allowed onsite as a precautionary pandemic practice. These collection challenges have disrupted the nation’s blood supply, resulting in concerningly low inventories of life-saving blood products across the country for patients in need.
Fall is typically a time when the blood supply is more stable – If the nation’s blood supply does not stabilize soon, hospitals may be forced to alter treatment for some patients or cancel some patient surgeries. Blood donations are needed now to help maintain optimal care for all patients.
AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are joining together to urge eligible, healthy individuals to contact their local blood center and make an appointment to donate blood. Doing so is essential to maintaining the stability of the nation’s blood supply, which ensures life- saving medical treatments are available for patients.
Through the coming months, blood collection organizations across the nation need the support and generosity of blood donors to help save lives. Please contact one of the following organizations to find a local blood collection site and to schedule an appointment to donate:
• AABB: www.aabb.org; +1.301.907.6977
America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org; +1.202.393.5725
American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)
In addition to donations, our nation needs individuals, schools, businesses, and other community organizations to host a blood drive. Blood drives are critically important to provide local blood donation opportunities and to bring communities together to help save lives.
Blood collection organizations continue to adapt their safety protocols to align with local, state, and federal guidance to ensure the safest possible experience for donors, staff and blood drive hosts.
