Photo by Crystal Reed
Rick Davis donates blood during a blood drive at the Sullivan American Legion on Tuesday, January 18.

•January 26, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis -- its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood which includes many local hospital partners. The organization has experienced a 10% decline nationally and locally in the number of people donating blood since the pandemic began and continues to confront relentless issues due to COVID-19, such as ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations.
According to a press release, in recent weeks the organization had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. At this time, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met. The low blood supply levels are also posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.
An American Red Cross Blood Drive was held Tuesday, January 18, at Sullivan American Legion. According to event coordinator Jeri Davis, a total of 45 units was collected during the drive. This can help 135 patients. The Red Cross has also seen a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges since the pandemic began. As a result, Gen Z, which accounted for nearly one-quarter of donors in 2019, made up just about 10% in 2021 due to the drop in on-campus opportunities.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.