Emergency blood and platelet shortage: Red Cross supplies drop to lowest post-summer levels since 2015
Emergency blood and platelet shortage: Red Cross supplies drop to lowest post-summer levels since 2015
Donor turnout sharply declines while patient needs remain high
(Sept. 27, 2021) — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood and platelet shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now and in the weeks ahead to overcome this current shortage.
Blood donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of the year as many delayed giving amid a return to the workplace and in-person learning, as well as a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country due to the delta variant. As cases spiked in August, blood donor participation decreased about 10%, but blood product distributions to hospitals have remained strong, significantly outpacing blood donations in recent weeks.
Historically low inventory levels
The national Red Cross blood inventory is the lowest it’s been at this time of year since 2015, with less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks. The supply of types O positive and O negative blood, the most needed blood types by hospitals, dropped to less than a half-day supply at times over the last month − well below the ideal five-day supply.
“Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds as donors are more available to give than during the busy summer months, but this year has presented a unique and serious challenge,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer for the Red Cross. “While it’s clear the pandemic continues to weigh heavily on our minds, the Red Cross asks the public to remember donating blood and platelets is essential to the many patients that rely on lifesaving transfusions every day.”
Don’t wait. People across the country depend on the generosity of blood donors. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- As a thank-you, all those who come to donate through Sept. 30 and help tackle the emergency blood shortage will receive a limited-edition football-inspired T-shirt while supplies last, plus a coupon for a free haircut via email from Sport Clips Haircuts.*
- All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s® Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.**
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 27-Oct.15
Perry
Junction City
10/23/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., American Legion Hall, 110 Logan St.
New Lexington
10/22/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Senior Citizen Center, 520 1st St.
Somerset
10/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Somerset American Legion, 107 East Gay St.
Thornville
9/30/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sheridan High School, 8725 Sheridan Road
10/9/2021: 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thornville Masonic Lodge, 44 E. Columbus Street
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Athens
Albany
10/18/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., VFW Post 9893, 3025 Dickson Rd.
Athens
9/29/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Athens County Chapter House, 100 May Ave.
10/5/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Schoonover Center, Schoonover Center, 20 W Union Street
10/7/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Richland United Methodist Church, 60 Pomeroy Rd
10/15/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Schoonover Center, Schoonover Center, 20 W Union St
10/27/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Baker Center, Baker Center Ballroom, 1 Park Place
10/28/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Athens County Chapter House, 100 May Ave.
Nelsonville
10/20/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hocking College Recreation Center, 3301 Hocking Parkway
The Plains
10/11/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., The Plains United Methodist Church, 3 North Plains Rd
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Coshocton
Coshocton
10/6/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Roscoe United Methodist Church, 475 High Street
10/6/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Roscoe United Methodist Church, 475 High Street
Walhonding
10/18/2021: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., New Castle Church, 32421 US RT 36
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Fairfield
Amanda
10/19/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Amanda Fire Department, 211 No. Johns Street
Baltimore
10/19/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., VFW Post 3761, 2155 Reynoldsburg Baltimore Rd.
Bremen
9/28/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bremen United Methodist Church, 205 Walnut St
Carroll
10/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hope Community Church of the Nazarene, 3570 Coonpath Rd.
Lancaster
10/1/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fairfield Christian Academy, 1965 N. Columbus St.
10/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 343 E. Walnut St.
10/5/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 343 E. Walnut St.
10/12/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfield County Job and Family Services, 239 W. Main Street
10/14/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfield County Job & Family Services, 239 W. Main Street
10/14/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., St. Mark Church, 324 Gay St.
10/20/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 245 E. Chestnut
10/26/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Johns Family Community Blood Drive, 343 E. Walnut St.
Millersport
10/6/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Millersport Lions Club, 2900 Chautauqua Blvd
Pickerington
10/2/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Violet Baptist Church, 8345 Blacklick Eastern Road
10/7/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Logos Bible Church, 623 Hill Rd. N
10/10/2021: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Road
10/12/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pickerington Church of the Nazarene, 11775 Pickerington Road NW
10/21/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pickerington Church of the Nazarene, 11775 Pickerington Rd. NW
10/26/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pickerington Church of the Nazarene, 11775 Pickerington Rd. NW
10/28/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus, 1010 Refugee Road
10/28/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pickerington Church of the Nazarene, 11775 Pickerington Rd. NW
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Fayette
Jeffersonville
10/2/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 23 S. Main St.
Washington Court House
10/12/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 301 East Market Place
10/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Adena Fayette Medical Center, 1510 Columbus Ave
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Guernsey
Byesville
10/6/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stop Nine Church, 60325 Southgate Road
10/21/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Meadowbrook High School - Colts Out for Blood, 58615 Marietta Road
10/21/2021: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Meadowbrook High School - Colts Out for Blood, 58615 Marietta Road
Cambridge
10/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Baptist Church, 136 E.8th Street
10/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Baptist Church, 136 E.8th Street
10/19/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 136 E.8th Street
Lore City
10/22/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Buckeye Trail High School, 65555 Wintergreen Rd
Senecaville
10/15/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Mideast Career Center Buffalo, 57090 Vocational Road
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Highland
Hillsboro
10/16/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fall Creek Friends Church, 11345 Karnes Rd
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Licking
Etna
9/30/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Daybreak Church, 1226 Pike Street
10/28/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Daybreak Church, 1226 Pike Street
Hebron
10/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hebron New Life United Methodist Church, 925 West Main ST
Johnstown
10/18/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Church of the Ascension Worship Center, 555 South Main St
Newark
9/28/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Trek Brewing Company, 1486 Granville Rd
9/28/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/1/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/5/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/8/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/12/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/15/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/19/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/22/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/26/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Trek Brewing Company, 1486 Granville Rd
10/26/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
10/27/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Granville, 1000 Granville Rd
10/29/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Licking Blood Donation Center, 1272 West Main Street, Doctors Park Building 5 - South
Pataskala
10/29/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., West Licking County Family YMCA, 355 West Broad Street
Utica
10/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Utica Church of Christ, 115 North Central Avenue
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Madison
London
10/1/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Fairhaven School, 510 Elm Street
10/8/2021: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., St. Patrick Church, 61 S. Union Street
Plain City
10/23/2021: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., Maranatha Community Fellowship, 6240 Lucas Rd.
10/30/2021: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., Journey Community Church, 11100 Lafayette-Plain City Road
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Morgan
Malta
10/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Malta United Methodist Church, 212 Main Street
McConnelsville
9/30/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Morgan High School, 800 Raider Drive
Stockport
9/29/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Stockport United Methodist Church, 3455 Market St.
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Muskingum
Adamsville
10/25/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Adamsville Community Center, 8200 Madison Road
Roseville
10/29/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Legion Post 71, 74 S. Main Street
South Zanesville
9/28/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Maysville High School, 3725 Panther Drive
10/29/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Fink's Harley Davidson Fall Drive, 2650 Maysville Pike
Zanesville
10/11/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 830 Military Road
10/25/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 830 Military Road
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Noble
Caldwell
9/30/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Community Center, 44187 Fairgrounds Rd
10/22/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Community Center, 44187 Fairgrounds Rd
Sarahsville
10/4/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Shenandoah High School, 49346 SR 147
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Perry
Junction City
10/23/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., American Legion Hall, 110 Logan St.
New Lexington
10/22/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Senior Citizen Center, 520 1st St.
Somerset
10/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Somerset American Legion, 107 East Gay St.
Thornville
9/30/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sheridan High School, 8725 Sheridan Road
10/9/2021: 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thornville Masonic Lodge, 44 E. Columbus Street
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Pickaway
Circleville
9/29/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Circleville High School, 380 Clark Drive
10/5/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pickaway County District Public Library, 1160 North Court Street
10/13/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 East Mound Street
South Bloomfield
10/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., South Bloomfield Community Blood Drive, 5000 Park Place
Williamsport
9/29/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Westfall High School, 19463 Pherson Pike
10/7/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Crown Hill Golf Course, 9500 US-22
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Ross
Bainbridge
9/30/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Paint Valley High School, 7454 U.S. Route 50
10/15/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Tri-County Community Building, 4715 St. Rt. 41
Chillicothe
10/7/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Adena Regional Medical Center, 446 Hospital Road
10/22/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., South Central Ohio Chapter, 181 N Bridge St
10/25/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Christian Life Tabernacle, 3017 Egypt Pike
10/28/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., St. Mary's Catholic Church, 40 E. 4th Street
10/28/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tabernacle Baptist Church, 221 E. Main St.
10/29/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., iHeartMEDIA Blood Bash at the South Central Ohio Chapter, 181 N Bridge St
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Tuscarawas
Newcomerstown
10/6/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 121 South College Street
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit www.Redcross.org/centralandsouthernoh or cruzrojaamericana.org, or join us on Twitter and Facebook @ARCcsor
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*Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Sport-Clips.
**Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Zaxbys.