Jan. 8, 2024 — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.
Who donations help
Robin Sharps knows firsthand how important a readily available blood supply is. During an emergency medical episode, Robin needed 114 units of blood to help her survive during multiple operations in quick succession. Read more about Robin’s story HERE.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 8-31:
Clark
Springfield
1/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Global Impact STEM Academy, 700 S Limestone Street St. B
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Greene
Beavercreek
1/23/2024: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons
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Logan
Bellefontaine
1/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Masonic Lodge – Bellefontaine, 600 N. Main St.
WEST MANSFIELD
1/25/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., West Mansfield Conservation Club, 701 South Main St.
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Miami
Tipp City
1/17/2024: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 14 W. Walnut St.
Troy
1/9/2024: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Miami County YMCA-Robinson Branch, 3060 South County Road 25A
1/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Red Cross Building-Troy, 1100 Wayne Street
1/25/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N County Rd 25A
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Montgomery
Dayton
1/12/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Village at Dayton Mall, 2792 Miamisburg Centerville Road
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
