Utahns urged to donate to help maintain local and national blood supply
Today, the American Red Cross announced a critical nationwide blood shortage as the Red Cross national blood supply had a staggering decrease of over 25% in July. This alarming drop in blood inventory across the nation poses a serious threat to patient care, prompting the Red Cross of Utah to urge the community to donate blood and safeguard the availability of lifesaving treatments.
The shortage of over 19,000 blood donations across the country in July stems from decreased summer donations and the cancellation of numerous blood drives due to natural disasters and extreme heat. The current number of incoming donations is not keeping pace with hospitals’ demand for blood.
“When supplies of blood fall to critical levels, it puts patient care at risk, especially during major accidents or emergencies requiring a large amount of blood transfusions,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “If you’re healthy and able, we urge you to donate blood this week to make a lifesaving impact.”
Urgent need for Type O blood
The current shortage of type O blood has caused a reduction in distributions, affecting hospitals that rely on this crucial blood type. Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, while type O negative serves as the universal blood type crucial in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. The summer months typically see a rise in severe injuries from accidents and activities, driving up the demand for blood transfusions, particularly type O blood.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. It is crucial for donors of all blood types to step forward now to replenish hospital supplies before patient care is compromised.”
Schedule your blood donation today
As a key contributor to the nation’s blood inventory, the Red Cross supplies around 40% of all collected blood, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. To meet patients’ needs, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Donors can easily book an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a token of appreciation, all donors visiting between Aug. 1-31, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. For more information, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Host a blood drive
Businesses, churches, schools and community groups in Utah are encouraged to organize Red Cross blood drives. Hosting a blood drive is a meaningful way to give back to the community and support a crucial cause. The Red Cross provides planning assistance, recruitment tools and on-site support to ensure a successful event. Learn more about hosting a blood drive at redcrossblood.org/host-a-drive.
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.
