The Red Cross remains heavily affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and is experiencing their first-ever National Blood Crisis. The Red Cross is trying its best, but it is very difficult to take care of those who need medical care when National Blood Bank supplies continue to diminish.

As the pandemic impacts efforts to collect blood for the National Blood Bank, Red Cross Medical Officer, Dr. Pampee Young notes that,  “the Red Cross has experienced a ten percent decline in the number of people donating blood since the beginning of the pandemic.” Dr. Young adds that, “there are also ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations.”  This decline and setbacks have a significant impact on those who really need blood.

In light of the many problems caused by the pandemic, Young says, “doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.” This means that those who have to wait will continue to suffer from their health issues until more blood is received and people’s health may be at risk as they wait for more blood to come in. 

Despite major setbacks, the Red Cross continues to fight on. Young notes, “We doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors.” The Red Cross relies on the help of donors and volunteers and remains hopeful that, as they move forward,  will have a better chance at fighting through these obstacles to save lives.