American Red Cross National Blood Crisis
February 02, 2022
CARROLLTON, Mo. – Carroll County Memorial Hospital is holding a community blood drive amid the worst blood shortage in over a decade.
The American Red Cross recently announced they are facing a national blood crisis, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the Rupe Center, located at 710 Harvest Hills Drive in Carrollton.
According to the American Red Cross, it has experienced a 10 percent decline in the number of people donating blood since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to confront relentless issues due to the pandemic, including ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations. Adding to the concern is the surge of COVID-19 cases. The Red Cross has experienced low donor turnout ever since the delta variant began spreading in August, and that trend continues as the Omicron variant takes over.
“We are working to do our part by informing the community of this crisis, holding a drive and encouraging staff and community participation,” said Tim Braun, CCMH Chief Operations Officer. “This has quickly become serious even for us locally. If you are able, we are asking for your help by coming out and making a blood donation on February 16.”
The American Red Cross explained that all types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supply.
“If you are unable to make a donation but know someone who can, please help us spread the word throughout the community,” said Kate Bonderer, CCMH Director of Community Relations. “We need everyone’s help in combatting this serious issue.”
You can make an appointment today by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.
To learn more about this crisis, visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2022/blood-donors-needed-now-as-omicron-intensifies.html.
For more information about Carroll County Memorial Hospital, visit our website http://www.carrollcountyhospital.org or call 660-542-1695.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.