American Red Cross, blood donations, blood shortage, blood donation shortage, blood banks

Blood shortage critical; surgeries postponed

By Noel Holton
Health24News
September 15, 2000


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Washington (H24N). The nation is in the grips of a blood shortage that the American Red Cross is calling "one of the worst in its history."

Some hospitals are postponing surgeries because blood supplies have gotten so low, reports the American Red Cross, and there is no relief in sight.

Even though blood donations are up this year, the growing population and medical advances that have made increasingly complicated procedures more commonplace have siphoned off the blood supply. In fact, hospital demand for blood has increased by 14 percent since last year, up from about 14,732 units of blood a day to more than 16,800 units daily.

"We couldn’t practice modern medicine without blood," said Bernadine Healy, president of the American Red Cross. "Right now, blood is the weak link in the chain of health care. Patients should never have to worry whether there will be enough blood. It is the gift of life, and there is no substitute. We desperately need the help of all eligible repeat and first-time donors."

Blood donations help people undergoing routine surgeries, people being treated for accidents and people suffering from conditions such as heart disease, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, lymphoma and hemophilia.

The optimal blood inventory for the American Red Cross, which handles half of the nation’s blood supply, is a three-day reserve. For several months, the American Red Cross has operated on a little more than a two-day supply, and would need an additional 250,000 donors a day to make up the difference.

Donors must be 17 years or older, healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds. Although blood can be donated in less than one hour, only 5 percent of all eligible Americans donate blood each year. Anyone interested in donating is urged to call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment.

"We are truly grateful to all donors who have helped throughout the summer," Healy said. "We know during non-summer months, older high school students and college students account for approximately 15 percent of American Red Cross collections. As students and professors begin their normal fall routine, we ask that they recommit to donating blood and sponsoring regular blood drives throughout the year."