Imagine needing a blood transfusion and then being told that you’ll have to wait because someone else needs it more. That’s a scenario already playing out because of a national blood shortage according to Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the American Red Cross. Lasky blamed both the ongoing pandemic surge and winter weather for the situation that has sometimes dropped supplies of blood and platelets to less than a day’s supply, forcing doctors to decide who gets transfusions.
According to the Red Cross, the number of donors overall has declined 10% during the pandemic, and blood drives at schools and colleges have dropped 62%.
A little incentive to donate has been made possible by the NFL partnering with the Red Cross during National Blood Donor Month. Every donor giving blood in January will have a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in LA. Another drawing offers a chance at a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. You can get details and make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org.
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