The American Red Cross says a surge in elective surgeries as society re-emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic is taxing local blood supplies more than usual this summer.
Red Cross spokesperson Drew Brown says they've shipped out 75,000 more units than anticipated over the last three months.
"Blood donations continue to be distributed to hospitals faster than they're coming in," Brown said. "And more donations are needed now - especially Type O blood."
Blood donations traditionally dip during the summer. But increased demand is exacerbating that expected shortage.
"There is a great hospital demand for blood as patients who previously even deferred care during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were in a high risk group, they wanted to stay safe, also," she said. "So that's why we're seeing some of those surgeries starting to pick back up. And those are some of the contributing factors."
Brown says about a thousand additional donations per day are needed to meet current hospital demand and maintain a five-day blood supply cushion.
For those unable to donate, Brown says volunteers are also welcome. That includes blood donor ambassadors who greet people, and transportation specialists who pick up blood and deliver it to hospitals.
"There's always a way you can help," she said.
The Red Cross is also distributing $10 Amazon gift cards to platelet donors.
