Hospitals in New York and New Jersey are facing severe blood shortages. According to the New York Blood Center, during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, fewer than 10,000 donations were collected. The necessary amount of donations needed to maintain a steady supply is over 12,000 units a day.
This shortage of donations has left over 200 hospitals across both New York and New Jersey with less than a 2-day blood supply. The lack of blood, especially types O, A negative, and B negative, leaves many patients at risk. Patients who require transfusions, such as trauma victims, mothers during childbirth, and people with cancer or sickle cell disease, are at a heightened risk of complications and death if they are unable to receive the blood necessary.
New York and New Jersey are not the only states facing blood shortages. The American Red Cross has issued a national alert about the severe blood shortage after a 35% supply drop in the last month. Blood products can not be manufactored and donations have a limited shelf life. This shortage puts many patients across the country at serious health risks.
This shortage comes as a result of winter weather and the most serious flu season in decades, with over 15 million cases of illness. The lack of donations at this time of year is not uncommon, but additional circumstances have resulted in dangerously low levels of blood supplies.
Dr. Countney Lawrence, Red Cross executive medical director, stated, “Right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts”.
The American Red Cross announced that weather alone disrupted over 400 blood drives last month, 3 times as many as the year before. These disruptions resulted in thousands of potential donations uncollected across the country.
Healthcare professionals across the country are calling for donations, even offering incentives to donors. New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston said, “Giving blood is one of the most powerful ways to help our neighbors. Every day, patients from across New Jersey depend on transfusions during surgical procedures, in emergency rooms, and for the treatment of cancers and chronic illnesses. It’s a cornerstone of modern medical care. Each donation can save three lives. The more donors there are, the more chances at life and health we can give.”
A spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Western New York has announced that anyone who donates from now through January 25 will be “automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl”. Additionally, all who donate between January 26 and February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card.
While walk-ins are usually accepted, it is recommended that donors make an appointment before attending a local blood drive.
