Waukesha Donors Needed As Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues

WAUKESHA, WI — A rise in the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries requiring blood products over recent months has depleted the nation’s blood inventory, according to the American Red Cross. As a result, the nonprofit is asking people —including Waukesha residents — to consider giving the gift of life.

“The Red Cross is currently experiencing a severe blood shortage,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Our teams are working around the clock to meet the extraordinary blood needs of hospitals and patients – distributing about 75,000 more blood products than expected over the past three months to meet demand – but we can’t do it without donors. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.”

Hospitals in Wisconsin and across the country are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross said it has seen red cell demand from hospitals with trauma centers climb by 10 percent in 2021 – more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide transfusions.

In addition, Red Cross representatives said there is great hospital demand for blood as patients who previously deferred care during the COVID-19 pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, therefore requiring increased blood transfusions.

“Some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care. As we return to pre-pandemic activities and resume travel to visit loved ones, we want people to remember the needs of patients this summer and the power so many of us have to help save lives,” Hrouda added.

Waukesha donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets– can help by making an appointment to give now. The nearest Red Cross blood donation center is located about 10 minutes away from Waukesha at 2220 Silvernail Rd. in Pewaukee.

To thank donors in Waukesha who help refuel the blood supply, anyone who donates from now through July 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card via email and will also receive automatic entry for a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). More information and details are available at this link.