Red Cross Begs For Donations As 'Severe' Blood Shortage Hits Hospitals

The Red Cross says the nationwide shortage is likely driven by a surge in trauma cases and ER visits, alongside patients who've deferred care during the pandemic. ABC News reports that some doctors are having to change how they administer care due to the shortage.

Axios: Red Cross Asks For Blood Donations Amid "Severe" National Shortage

The American Red Cross asked the public this week to help replenish the United States' depleted blood inventory amid a "severe" national shortage. The non-profit said the shortage is likely driven by a recent surge in trauma cases and emergency room visits, as well as advanced disease progression from patients deferring care throughout the coronavirus pandemic. (Knutson, 6/18)

ABC News: Severe National Blood Shortage May Force Doctors To Augment Patient Care, Officials Say

As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to a close, more Americans are seeking medical care -- only to find roadblocks to long-awaited elective surgeries or unexpected traumatic injuries: a critical national shortage of blood. In June, the blood supply dropped to "red" level, indicating dangerously low supply at blood centers nation-wide, according to the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism. (Rosen, 6/20)

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