The American Red Cross is warning that a national blood crisis may put patients at risk.
It is the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, according to Red Cross officials.
Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available, according to the Red Cross spokesman.
Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to give blood in the weeks ahead.
In recent weeks, the Red Cross has had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals, according to the spokesman. As many as one-fourth of hospitals’ blood needs are not being met, the spokesman stated.
Challenges that are causing the reduction in blood donations include the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as winter weather, the spokesman stated.
The Red Cross and NFL are partnering in January to urge individuals to give blood or platelets. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will be entered into a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Those who come to donate also will be entered to win a home theater package and $500 gift e-card. For more information, see RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Upcoming Red Cross mobile blood drives in Wyandotte County include:
• Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 pm., Cabelas, 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, Kansas.
• Thursday, Jan. 13, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Hall, 600 N. 7th, Kansas City, Kansas.
To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, use the Red Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).