Every two seconds, someone in the country needs blood and right now there is a severe national blood shortage.
“It’s affecting everybody,” said Sue Thesenga, Regional Communications Manager for American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is the largest blood provider in the nation, supplying about 40 percent of the blood.
Thesenga shared what’s contributing to the current shortage.
“One of the biggest reasons is that hospital demand is up. Hospitals are in need of more blood for elective surgeries that were postponed over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. People waited a year in some cases to have surgery and now those are back on the books,” Thesenga said.
She said that there have also been more E.R visits reported due to trauma and accidents so more blood is needed in those cases as well.
“The need for blood is constant and it’s a perishable product,” Thesenga said.
She said blood has a 42-day shelf life, but people can donate every 56 days, for a total of five or six times a year.
“During the summer months, we typically find it more challenging to collect enough blood donations because between Memorial Day and Labor Day, people get out and are enjoying the outdoors and are not in their regular routines,” Thesenga said.
Those who give blood between July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.
“It’s just a way to thank people because we know people are busy and we know they’re taking some time out of their day to donate so it’s really nice way to thank them and maybe build in a little incentive,” Thesenga said.
If people are interested in donating, Thesenga said it’s very easy. They can download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
“When you’re scheduling on the app or website, all you have to do is put your zip code in and all of the blood donation opportunities in that area will come up,” Thesenga explained.
Thesenga said right now they need the blood of all types and that they’re always looking for first-time donors.
“During the pandemic, we did see a lot of people present to donate for the first time because people were searching for ways to help out and blood donations was one of the ways they could,” Thesenga said.
Whether you’re a first-time or repeat donor, Thesenga said it’s important to donate if you’re able to.
“You never expect that you’re going to be the one that needs it, but accidents happen and we can’t predict them. Whether it’s you or a loved one or a relative across the country, you never know when someone who know or loved is going to be the one in need,” Thesenga said.
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