A Red Cross collection staff member prepares to take a blood donation from a donor.
An "emergency blood shortage” has American Red Cross officials calling on people to give blood.
The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania has organized a number of blood drives over the next few weeks at various locations across the region in the hopes of increasing donations.
"It’s incredibly concerning. The last thing we want is for somebody not to be able to have the blood they need,” said Alana Mauger, regional communications manager with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Participation in blood donations has plummeted over the last two decades nationwide, with American Red Cross officials observing "40 percent fewer donors” giving blood, Mauger said. Blood donations are used in all manner of medical purposes, ranging from emergency surgery to cancer treatments.
"It’s really important to have that extra (blood), and there’s no other way to get it except for the blood that’s generously donated by blood donors,” Mauger said, stressing the American Red Cross’ "ongoing need” for blood supply.
The southeastern Pennsylvania contingent partners with more than 100 medical facilities across southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
"In any given week, we need to collect around 4,000 units of blood to meet the demand of our hospital clients,” she said.
During the week of Christmas, donations fell "short by about 200 units,” and sites failed to secure an additional 250 units of blood last week, according to Mauger.
"Each time we fall short, we not only have to make that up, but we’re being asked to collect extra because of the national shortage. So we’re really in a situation where we’re pretty far behind right now,” she said.
While American Red Cross officials "see donations drop significantly” throughout the holidays, Mauger attributed donation difficulties during the winter months to weather as well as cold and flu season.
The situation is now being categorized as an "emergency blood shortage,” Mauger said, "because we are lower then even we typically see.”
"Right now we’re sending blood to hospitals faster than people are donating,” she said. "We really need people to come and help us to make sure that we can continue to supply that blood.”
Blood drives are scheduled across the region through Jan. 31, including a number throughout Montgomery County. Visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Anyone interested can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App to make an appointment.
To provide additional incentives, donors will be eligible to win a trip for two people to attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, according to an American Red Cross statement. Those who do give blood locally in the Philadelphia will receive a coupon for a free breakfast wrap as well as a medium hot or iced beverage from Dunkin’ Donuts.
"We’re encouraging people to come out. It takes about an hour of your time,” she said. "You are doing great public service for the patients that need it, and if people are afraid of needles (or) maybe they’ve never donated before, our collections team is ready to take care of you.”
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