INDIANAPOLIS — The American Red Cross announced this week it is facing its first-ever “national blood crisis” with its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage has led doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more blood is available.
LaMar Holliday, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Indiana Region, said the pandemic, severe winter weather, supply chain and staffing challenges, and the holidays have contributed to the shortage.
“These challenges have resulted in the lowest national blood inventories in more than a decade,” Holliday said in an email. “At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met. What is even more challenging at this time is that blood supply levels have remained at historically low levels now for nearly four months.”
All blood types are needed, but Type O is especially low. The Red Cross reported having less than a one-day supply of some blood types in recent weeks while having to limit distributions to hospitals.
The pandemic has created challenges for the Red Cross with a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood and a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges.
People can make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Donors who give blood or plasma in January will be entered in a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVI in Lon Angeles. People will also be entered in a drawing to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
-
Robot security dog to provide extra layer of security at Indianapolis 500
A tech startup co-founder on Wednesday said his company’s robotic security dog adds another layer to security at the world’s largest single-day sporting event.
IU’s Curt Cignetti getting ready to drive pace car at Indy 500
Indiana University football head coach Curt Cignetti has had a memorable year already. In January, he coached the Hoosiers to their first national championship in program history.
Drier Thursday, rainy and storm chances return for Friday
More comfortable air has arrived. Clouds will linger tonight before a nice day on Thursday. Rain from the daytime hours finally exits.
Four families file civil lawsuits against former Brownsburg daycare & employees
Four families have filed new lawsuits against a former Brownsburg daycare and some of its employees, alleging they failed to protect young children from sexual abuse.
