© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Giving blood gives American Red Cross donors $10 Amazon gift card to tackle blood shortage crisis

American Red Cross Logo

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.

Benjy Jeffords is a digital media production specialist at WSIU Public Broadcasting located at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.