Red Cross Declares 'Crisis' As Blood Supplies Run Low In Ohio

OHIO — Blood donations have dropped precipitously during the pandemic and the Red Cross is putting out an urgent plea for donations in Ohio.

Schools that usually host blood drives throughout their academic year have canceled all in-person events. Staffing shortages have struck blood drives and clinics throughout the nation. Overall, blood donations have dropped 10 percent overall since March 2020, according to the Red Cross.

And the situation is getting more dire.

“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross, in a statement on the group's website. “Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care.”

To compensate for the sudden dearth in available blood supply, Red Cross is now limiting its blood product distribution to hospitals. The organization estimated that some hospitals may not receive 25 percent of the blood products they need.

To spur donations, the Red Cross is relying on the nation's love of football and the spectacle of the Super Bowl. Those who donate in January will be automatically entered in a lottery for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles and will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.