Hospitals delay surgeries as blood supply dwindles

ATLANTA — The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July holiday and beyond.

Right now, the Red Cross is working around the clock to provide blood products to hospitals responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.

In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout. The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break − patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.

Donors are needed now to prevent further delays to patient care. Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you, all those who come to give July 1-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last. And, donors who come to give July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value).

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Upcoming regional blood donation opportunities June 28-July 15 include:

Albany

7/6: noon-5 p.m., Dougherty County Community, 2601 Dawson Road

7/12: noon-5 p.m., Porterfield UMC-RSMO Albany, 2200 Dawson Road

7/22: 2-7 p.m., Byne Memorial Baptist Church, 2832 Ledo Road

7/23: 1-6 p.m., Dougherty County Community, 2601 Dawson Road

7/24: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Mount Zion Baptist Church of Albany, 901 S. Westover Blvd.

Sylvester

7/6: 3-7 p.m., Margaret Jones Library, 205 East Pope St.

Moultrie

7/8: 12:30-5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Moultrie, 409 First St. Southeast

Ashburn

7/8: 2-7 p.m., Turner County Civic Center, 601 East Madison St.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

The Red Cross has updated its pandemic safety protocols in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

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