If you have ever considered donating blood, now is the right time to take action. 

The American Red Cross, which supplies 40% of the blood for the nation, announced earlier this year that we are experiencing the worst blood shortage in more than a decade. As a result, up to a quarter of hospitals’ blood requirements are not being met. Thus, many are having to leave hospitals without their required blood transfusions. The 10% decline in blood donations during the COVID-19 pandemic results from COVID-19 case surges and restrictions. College and high school blood drives, which accounted for 25% of blood donors in 2019, have decreased dramatically due to contact restrictions. 

Doctor Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the American Red Cross, says, “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill whom all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”

A great way to help during this crisis is getting your blood drawn and donated at a local doctor’s office if you are eligible to do so. Currently, type O blood is in high demand due to its compatibility with other blood types. If you are not eligible to donate, you can also volunteer at a local blood drive. Learn more about the importance of blood donation here. 

If you are still unsure whether or not you would like to donate blood during this crisis, here are some motivating factors.

• The Red Cross and NFL are partnering this month, which happens to be National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to participate in blood donations by having blood donors automatically enter for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.
• As a token of gratitude from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also get entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card automatically. 
• Krispy Kreme will give blood donors a dozen free doughnuts to help promote this cause.

“One donation can help save more than one life.” – American Red Cross

Works Cited

“Eligibility Requirements.” Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements | Red Cross Blood Services, www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html.

Neill, Opinion by Ushma S., and Lala Tanmoy Das. “Opinion: The Obvious Way to Increase the Number of Blood Donors.” CNN, Cable News Network, 21 Jan. 2022, www.cnn.com/2022/01/21/opinions/blood-shortage-in-the-us-neill-das/index.html.

“Red Cross Declares First-Ever Blood Crisis amid Omicron Surge.” American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2022/blood-donors-needed-now-as-omicron-intensifies.html.

Valinsky, Jordan. “Krispy Kreme Will Give Blood Donors a Dozen Free Doughnuts.” CNN, Cable News Network, 24 Jan. 2022, www.cnn.com/2022/01/24/business/krispy-kreme-blood-shortage/index.html.“Your Super Bowl LVI Experience in LA Awaits!” Win Trip To Super Bowl LVI | Red Cross Blood Services, www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html.