YORK, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from Jan. 3.
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.
In a press release issued Monday, the organization said its blood supply "has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold."
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%, the organization said.
"When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion," the Red Cross said.
Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross said it has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
“One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blood bank without any blood on the shelves," said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician for the Red Cross. "Doctors often can’t operate without blood available to make surgeries, medical procedures and treatments possible.
“More challenges lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
The Red Cross is urging donors not to wait to help.
To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).