Red Cross faces severe blood shortage

Posted on June 15, 2021

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory.

Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care.

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants, according to the Red Cross. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.

The Superhero Summer Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, June 16 from 11am to 6pm at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. All presenting blood donors will receive a free Red Cross t-shirt (while supplies last) along with a $15 gift card by email.

People can find other donation times by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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