Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr 6th District: Red Cross – Severe Blood Shortage in Summer 2021.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The American Red Cross has notified me that they are experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Today, there is great hospital demand for blood. Patients who previously deferred care during the COVID-19 pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, therefore requiring increased blood transfusions. Hospitals are also responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. 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. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 blood products more than expected to meet these needs. With less than half a day supply of Type O blood in recent weeks, there is an emergency need for Type O donors. Type O is the most needed blood group by hospitals. Please help! The Red Cross urgently needs blood donors of all types, especially type O, & platelet donors to overcome this severe blood shortage. Sign up at rcblood.org/donate. Best,