Here’s How You Can Help the USA’s Blood Supply

By Dr. John Weiss, Medical Director, American Red Cross; 33-year Army Reserve Veteran (Brigadier General)

Today, our nation is facing a severe blood shortage as hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits. Across the country, there’s a great hospital demand for blood. Part of the reason for this strong demand is because patients who previously delayed care and surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic are now experiencing advanced disease progression and seeking medical treatment. This type of advanced care can require even more blood transfusions. 

The unfortunate reality is that, while many of us are returning to pre-pandemic activities like travel and visiting with family and friends, there are patients throughout the U.S. whose lives are still on hold. Medical treatments are being further delayed as hospitals are forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. For example, from April through June of this year, the Red Cross distributed about 75,000 blood products, more than expected to meet these needs, which is an average of 800 more products per day. That extra support was possible because generous blood donors rolled up their sleeves to donate their lifesaving blood.

Many people don’t realize that, for a trauma patient, one unit of blood can mean life or death. Twenty to 40% of trauma deaths that occur after hospital admission involve massive hemorrhaging, and doctors need a secure blood supply to fight the odds. To save a life in these dire circumstances, hospitals may need hundreds of blood products, just for one patient, depending on the severity of the trauma.

And given the current shortage, sadly, we’re seeing less than half a day supply available of Type O blood. That’s why there is a current emergency need for Type O donors. Type O is the most needed blood group by hospitals. And that’s because Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients of any Rh positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and is what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients who are in the most serious situations.

Something less talked about but just as important is the emergency need for platelets, the clotting portion of blood. Platelets are so important because they must be given to a patient within five days of donation. Nearly half of all platelet donations are given to patients undergoing cancer treatments—a disease all too familiar to millions of Americans and their families.

Who blood helps

Navy veteran Stewart Anderson of Minnesota knows the need for blood personally. He received blood himself after falling out of a tree as a child. He proudly became a blood donor starting in 1984. Years later, the need for blood touched his life again when his son, who was studying to be an oncologist, was diagnosed with cancer. Stewart started giving platelets, knowing they are used frequently in cancer treatment, as a way to support his son and many others battling the disease. Even though Stewart’s son passed away at age 30, Stewart credits the many transfusions he received as giving them more time together. Stewart proudly donates blood and platelets regularly now as a way to share his good health and to help ensure that anyone who needs blood can receive it. 

A strong blood supply is essential

A strong blood supply is an essential part of ensuring a community is prepared. It’s important that the Red Cross has a sufficient blood supply on hand to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies of all types. When blood is donated, it can take up to three days for it to be processed, tested, and made available for patients, which is why it’s important individuals do not wait until an emergency happens to give blood. When a patient needs a transfusion, the blood that is already on the shelf is what can make the difference between life and death. With a short shelf life of just 42 days for blood and just five days for platelets, the supply must be continuously replenished. 

As a national network, the Red Cross is able to move blood to where it is needed most, meaning every community can play a part in responding to a national blood shortage. Throughout the pandemic, people have looked for ways they can support their community and help those in need. By giving blood now, you can be a hero for patients in need. All you’ll feel is good!