Red Cross And OHSU Declare 'Crisis' As Blood Supplies Run Low

PORTLAND, OR — There are many reasons why the blood supply is so low in the Cascades region. The weather has kept people inside, it's increased the number of crashes. The omicron-driven COVID-19 surge gripping the state.

In the end, it doesn't matter why the supply is so low.

What matters is that it is so low, the American Red Cross, Cascades Region is limiting the blood that it sends out to hospitals.

"The situation is now at a crisis level," Oregon Health Sciences University Bone Marrow Transplant Director Dr. Rachel Cook said Tuesday.

Cook was joined by American Red Cross officials at a news conference on Tuesday.

"We are putting out a call to action," the Red Cross Regional Director Donor Services Angel Montes said. "Help us pass this very difficult time."

Cook said that she is "always struck by how many people just haven't thought of" donating.

The Red Cross says that those who donate in January will be automatically entered in a lottery for a chance to wina 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.