Madison Kwiecinski 

News Editor 

Mvk5945@psu.edu

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on everyone’s lives, whether that be physically, economically, socially, or in some other manner. Currently, it is impacting the lives of those in hospitals in need of blood donations, or those who are relying on blood for necessary surgical procedures. The Red Cross Association has declared its first ever blood shortage crisis due to a dramatic decrease in donations throughout the course of the last two years. 

“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply,” Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross, said in a statement. “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 current situation is forcing medical professionals into choosing between who is currently able to receive blood transfusions and who will have to wait until more supply eventually becomes available. They are facing these difficult situations in a time where hospitals are already struggling due to the influx of patients that come into the hospital with COVID-19.

Dr. Pampee Young, the Red Cross’ Chief Medical Officer said,  “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country”. She went on to say, “ We need the help of the American people.”

Blood donations have been decreasing for a variety of reasons, causing the worst blood shortage in at least over a decade. The pandemic is the most obvious reason that blood donations have decreased, but there are several other contributing factors, one most recently being the winter weather. Less people go out to donate in the colder winter months because of the roads and frigid weather.

Staffing shortages have also contributed to the shortage because when the Red Cross does not have enough staff they are forced to cancel blood drives and donation clinics that were planned. University campus blood drives were a common source for the Red Cross prior to the pandemic, but campus blood drives have dropped by 62 percent since the beginning of the pandemic. Blood donations overall have dropped by 10 percent throughout the pandemic, but the decrease in blood drives, especially in university locations is having a huge impact. 

The Red Cross has stated that, “we desperately need your donation,” as they face the worst blood shortage in over a decade, with patients in many locations having to be deferred from surgery and other necessary treatments. As a way of encouraging donations, those who donate to the Red Cross have an opportunity to win a 2022 Super Bowl getaway, and experience the first Super Bowl in LoFi Stadium. To donate, visit redcrossblood.org to book an appointment or view upcoming blood drives near you.