By WHITNEE ICE
St. Joseph Post
Trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries are on the rise and the American Red Cross is calling for blood donations as this causes a severe blood shortage.
Red Cross spokeswoman Angie Springs says we need to ensure that blood is on the shelves.
“The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage and that goes hand in hand with patients that are fighting cancer, as well as we are seeing an increased tick in demand for patients that need elective surgeries or trauma patients as well,” Springs tells St. Joseph Post.
Springs says there are multiple ways to sign up for a time to give blood.
“You can go to givebloodtogivetime.org and that’s going to direct you to the American Red Cross blood donor website. You can also go to redcrossblood.org and schedule your appointment to roll-up your sleeve at a blood drive near you to help those that are specifically battling cancer,” says Springs.
Springs says blood is needed now more than ever, especially for cancer patients.
“We’re seeing an increased need for blood specifically for cancer patients,” says Springs. “Of course, during the pandemic lots of procedures and even doctor’s visits were postponed and we’re seeing an uptick specifically in those that are needing new blood to fight cancer.”
The Red Cross has distributed roughly 75,000 more blood products than expected in the last several months to meet these needs.
Springs says for perspective, about 3% of eligible people donate every year.