In February, the Greater Princeton Branch of AYLUS (GPA) was informed of a National Blood Crisis-Worst Blood Shortage in Over a Decade! GPA encourages community blood donation to save more lives.
The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed here so that we can aid at any emergencies.
What is causing the blood shortage crisis?
10% overall blood donation decline since March 2020.
62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic. Student donors accounted for ~25% of donors in 2019 accounted for just ~10% during the pandemic.
Ongoing blood drive cancellations due to illness, weather-related closures and staffing limitations.
Additional factors like a surge of COVID-19 cases and an active flu season may compound the already bad situation.
At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges, the Red Cross is no different. We are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it.
Supply of critical blood types
The Red Cross, which supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply, has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals as a result of the shortage. In fact, some hospitals may not receive 1 in 4 blood products they need.
Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. Less than a one-day supply of critical blood types in recent weeks.
Please consider booking additional appointments further out due to the fact that while availability of drives may be impacted, the need for blood remains constant.
GPA Volunteers: Sarah Liu (2/13, 2 hrs), Shannon Liu (2/13, 2 hrs), Ethan Xu, and more.
