Red Cross: Blood donations needed to reverse worst shortage in a decade

The American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donations to help reverse what officials say is the worst shortage in more than a decade as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

As an incentive, people who arrange blood donations through the Red Cross website (redcrossblood.org) during January will be eligible to win a trip to Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles, along with other prizes. Appointments also can be made by calling 800-733-2767.

People who give blood at Vitalant donation sites will be eligible to win one of four $5,000 prepaid gift cards.

The Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, said the dangerously low level of blood has forced doctors to make decisions about who receives transfusions and who must wait until the blood and platelet supply is replenished.

During the past several weeks, the nation’s blood supply has dipped to critically low levels, with less than a one-day supply on hand instead of the three to five days that typically is maintained, officials said.

There also have been periods during which as many as one-fourth of hospitals have not received the blood and platelets they need to treat patients, according to the agency.

The crisis comes at a time of year when the blood supply typically is at its lowest.

“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of covid-19 cases are compounding the already dire situation facing the blood supply,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care.”

The shortage has pushed hospitals in Pittsburgh to be strategic about their operations and blood usage.

Dr. Allan Philp, trauma and acute care surgery medical director for Allegheny Health Network, said in his 21 years of attending, this is the shortest supply he has seen.

“We have always had a cushion, but we don’t have that anymore,” he said.

The hospitals have not had to reduce surgical cases because of the shortage because they are thoughtful of which elective cases they do, Philp said.

“We are fortunate in Pittsburgh we haven’t had to ration care,” he said, “but if we are so close to that margin, and if the shortage could go on for longer, we may have to make tougher decisions about what gets done.”

Excela Health hospitals have been experiencing platelet shortages for about four months and red blood cell shortages for two months, said Gary Joyce, administrative director of Excela Health Laboratories.

Joyce said supplies are about 50% of what they usually have. The Red Cross has advised they will not have access to a regional emergency supply.

“This shortage is particularly problematic should there be emergencies with injuries within the community that result in significant blood loss,” Joyce said.

Joyce said donating blood was seen a civic service generations ago, but the attitude has changed since then.

“Raising awareness may add a few more lifelong donors to the pipeline,” he said.

UPMC spokesperson Rick Pietzak said UPMC has the blood supplies needed to care for its patients.

“UPMC encourages community members to donate life-saving blood through their local blood drives,” he said.

Officials say all types of blood are needed but especially Type O.

The agency said the number of people donating blood has dropped by about 10% and that building the supply back up has been hampered by a 62% drop in the number of blood drives held at high schools and colleges.

Additionally, nearly 64% of the appointments to donate blood during the next month have not been filled, according to the agency.

The Red Cross said volunteers also are in short supply to help with blood collection. People interested in assisting can sign up online.

Tribune-Review staff writer Tanisha Thomas contributed to this report.