American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The American Red Cross declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage.
They said the number of U.S. donors is the lowest it has ever been in the past 20 years.
Officials say an additional 8,000 blood donations are needed each week this month to keep up with demand.
The executive director of the American Red Cross in Bryan, Jennifer Young, says there are several reasons why there is a blood shortage right now including cold and flu season, inclement weather, and fewer donations since the COVID pandemic.
She people can help by spreading the word about the blood shortage.
“Sharing with other people you know and then becoming a blood donator yourself. Maybe it’s been a little while since you donated, so maybe revisiting that,” she said.
Young says type O blood is in high demand right now as it can be used universally.
To help, go to redcrossblood.org or download the app “Blood Donor American Red Cross” and sign up there.
Young says that the American Red Cross in Bryan is having a blood drive on Jan. 19 and 20, where you can donate blood.
