Red Cross declares crisis over blood supply shortage in US for second time its history
Fewer donations and higher demand has seen a supply shortage worsen, the American Red Cross tells the BBC.
The American Red Cross has declared a "crisis" regarding the blood supply shortage in the United States, marking only the second time in its 150-year existence that inventory levels have plummeted to such depths.
Dr. Courtney Lawrence, affiliated with the American Red Cross, informed the BBC that a confluence of factors, including wildfires and extreme heat, has contributed to the current predicament. Blood supply levels saw a 25% reduction just last month. This crisis has emerged during the summer, a period when hospitals typically experience an elevated demand for blood.
Lawrence explained that this increased demand is due to a rise in car accidents and more individuals engaging in outdoor activities, leading to a greater incidence of injuries necessitating blood transfusions. The American Red Cross, which serves as the primary blood provider in the US, supplying approximately 40% of the nation's blood, is presently distributing about 3,500 more units than is typical for this time of year. Lawrence noted that the organization is having to delve "very, very low into our blood inventory."
She emphasized the challenge of stockpiling blood extensively in advance, stating, "We don't have the ability to stockpile blood super far in advance because blood does have a finite shelf life, it does expire." Donated blood must be utilized within 42 days as blood cells naturally degrade over time.
Currently, all blood types are urgently needed, with a particular emphasis on O positive, recognized as a universal blood type that can be administered in emergency situations when a patient's blood type is unknown.
Lawrence indicated that hospitals consulted by the Red Cross anticipate potential impacts on routine operations. Some facilities are contemplating "whether they may need to divert patients to other trauma centres if they cannot keep enough blood on their shelves to be able to support emergencies."
She underscored that the existing shortage escalated to a crisis level due to a combination of elements. This summer's high temperatures in the US have made people more hesitant to venture outdoors, and some planned blood drives have been unable to proceed due to difficulties in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment, according to Lawrence.
Furthermore, the surge in wildfires has diverted resources, and the Red Cross also cited a unique situation of "widespread food-borne illnesses" affecting the country, seemingly referencing the parasite cyclosporiasis, which causes explosive diarrhoea.
The American Red Cross's initial declaration of a blood supply crisis occurred in January 2022, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and a period of severe winter weather.
Concurrently, Canada has also experienced a decline in blood supplies, with Canadian Blood Services reporting a nearly 20% drop since the beginning of June. In a statement, Canadian Blood Services noted, "Over the past six weeks, appointments have fallen short by 1,500 to 2,500 each week, requiring a draw on existing inventory to meet patient needs."
Unlike the situation in the US, the specific reason for the decrease in donations in Canada remains unclear. "While a seasonal decline in donations is expected during the summer months and factored into planning, appointment bookings have fallen well below typical summer patterns," Canadian Blood Services stated. "There are now limited days on hand of several blood types - levels that are not sustainable for patient care should this trend not reverse itself."