State: blood donations desperately needed

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COLUMBUS — The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is joining the American Red Cross in raising awareness about the national blood crisis – the worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.

“The current blood shortage has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, decreased blood donations, and an increased usage of blood and blood products to treat an increasing number of trauma cases,” said Division of EMS Director Rob Wagoner. “Many hospitals and blood collection facilities are also experiencing staffing challenges due to illness and quarantine requirements, which further add to the challenges of blood collection in these times.”

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types, especially type O-negative are urged to make an appointment now to give in the weeks ahead at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1.800.REDCROSS.