The American Red Cross has declared a blood crisis with the nation at less than a day’s supply of units, the lowest they’ve seen in more than a decade.
Red Cross Regional Director of Communications Sherri McKinney says the shortage of blood is causing hospital to rethink how they service their patients.
“Many time surgeries are being rescheduled or not even scheduled at all, based on the need, as well as having to watch what kind of supplies that they have on the shelves of blood for patients who use it regularly.”
She says the unpredictable winter weather forced the cancellation of many bloods drives at a critical time.
Each of those cancellations cause a decrease in donations of 100 or more units.
McKinney says if every eligible donor would donate at least twice a year there would not be a shortage.