Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage, Asks For Immediate Donations

The American <span>Red Cross</span> reported a severe shortage of blood that has affected Tri-City area hospitals. In the last month, there has been a 35% drop in blood supply. The 'Code Red' blood shortage in Washington created a critical situation with hospitals requesting for blood. The drop is also noted due to the winter weather that has affected donation drive. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage</span>: How Does Weather Influence Blood Bank?</h2>

Reports note that during the winter season, blood supply becomes challenging, though its demand may increase due to illness and severe weather conditions. However, the same factors lead to fewer donation drives that leads to critical shortage. According to Red <span>Cross</span> reports, more than 550 blood drives have been canceled since January 21. This has resulted in over 15,000 uncollected blood and platelet donation. 

The shortage has severely impacted the availability of blood for trauma victims, cancer patients and those who require emergency surgeries. During such situation, volunteer donors play an essential role.

Diana Heilman, supervisor at the Kennewick Red Cross Fixed Site, said, "octors may face difficult decisions during a blood shortage, such as who can safely receive the products and treatments, and they will potentially have to wait because there simply isn't enough blood available."

<h2>Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage: What Is Affected?</h2>

<ul><li>The Kennewick Red Cross identified a dire need of Type O blood, both positive and negative</li><li>A negative</li><li>B negative</li><li>Platelets</li></ul>

Type O is a universal donor, while Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type. A negative blood type is found in only 6% of the population, and B negative is less than 2%.

Red Cross also announced a $20 e-gift card for those who donate between January 26 to February 28, as incentive.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/japan-races-to-develop-worlds-first-artificial-blood-trials-to-begin-article-151737680" data-type="tilCustomLink">Japan Races To Develop World’s First Artificial Blood, Trials To Begin</a>

<h2>Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage: Who Can Donate?</h2>

Must be in good general health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent where permitted)

<ul><li>Valid identification is required, along with a brief health screening before donation</li><li>Minimum hemoglobin levels: 12.5 g/dL for women and 13.0 g/dL for men</li><li>Most medications are allowed, but blood thinners and some antiviral drugs may disqualify donors</li><li>The full donation visit takes about one hour; the actual blood draw lasts 8–10 minutes</li><li>Whole blood can be donated every 56 days; Power Red donations every 112 days</li><li>Platelets are in high demand due to their five-day shelf life and essential role in cancer, trauma, and surgical care</li><li>Donors with O negative, O positive, A negative, and B negative blood types are encouraged to consider Power Red donations</li><li>Officials urge eligible donors to schedule appointments promptly to help address ongoing blood shortages impacting patient care</li></ul>

<h2>Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage: Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-blood-donor-day-2025-thinking-of-donating-blood-a-doctor-answers-all-your-doubts-article-151925361" data-type="tilCustomLink">Thinking of Donating Blood? A Doctor Answers All Your Doubts</a>

<h3>Can Women Donate Blood During Their Period?</h3>

This is one of the most common concerns, especially among first-time female donors. According to Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director and Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, who spoke to Health and Me, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, women are advised not to donate during their menstruation, particularly during the 4-5 days of active bleeding. However, they are completely eligible to donate at any other time of the month if they are in good health.

<h3>Can You Donate Blood While Recovering From An Illness?</h3>

Health is key when it comes to blood donation. “A person should be completely healthy and free from fever or illness at the time of donation,” says Dr. Pathak. Moreover, certain medications can lead to deferral, and there is a comprehensive list maintained under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. So if you’re on a prescribed course, it’s best to consult a doctor or the blood bank before donating.

<h3>Can You Donate Blood If You Have A Tattoo Or Piercing?</h3>

Yes. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or body piercing, you’ll need to wait 12 months before you can donate blood. This is a precautionary step to ensure there’s no risk of transmitting infections.

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The American Red Cross reported a severe shortage of blood that has affected Tri-City area hospitals. In the last month, there has been a 35% drop in blood supply. The 'Code Red' blood shortage in Washington created a critical situation with hospitals requesting for blood. The drop is also noted due to the winter weather that has affected donation drive. Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage: How Does Weather Influence Blood Bank?Reports note that during the winter season, blood supply becomes challenging, though its demand may increase due to illness and severe weather conditions. However, the same factors lead to fewer donation drives that leads to critical shortage. According to Red Cross reports, more than 550 blood drives have been canceled since January 21. This has resulted in over 15,000 uncollected blood and platelet donation. The shortage has severely impacted the availability of blood for trauma victims, cancer patients and those who require emergency surgeries. During such situation, volunteer donors play an essential role.Diana Heilman, supervisor at the Kennewick Red Cross Fixed Site, said, "octors may face difficult decisions during a blood shortage, such as who can safely receive the products and treatments, and they will potentially have to wait because there simply isn't enough blood available."Red Cross Faces Blood Shortage: What Is Affected?The Kennewick Red Cross identified a dire need of Type O blood, both positive and negativeA negativeB negativePlateletsType O is a universal donor, while Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type. A negative blood type is found in only 6% of the population, and B negative is less than 2%.Red Cross also announced a $20 e-gift card for those who donate between January 26 to February 28, as incentive.Read: Japan Races To Develop World’s First Artificial Blood, Trials To BeginRed Cross Faces Blood Shortage: Who Can Donate?Must be in good general health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent where permitted)Valid identification is required, along with a brief health screening before donationMinimum hemoglobin levels: 12.5 g/dL for women and 13.0 g/dL for menMost medications are allowed, but blood thinners and some antiviral drugs may disqualify donorsThe full donation visit takes about one hour; the actual blood draw lasts 8–10 minutesWhole blood can be donated every 56 days; Power Red donations every 112 daysPlatelets are in high demand due to their five-day shelf life and essential role in cancer, trauma, and surgical careDonors with O negative, O positive, A negative, and B negative blood types are encouraged to consider Power Red donationsOfficials urge eligible donors to schedule appointments promptly to help address ongoing blood shortages impacting patient careRed Cross Faces Blood Shortage: Frequently Asked QuestionsRead: Thinking of Donating Blood? A Doctor Answers All Your DoubtsCan Women Donate Blood During Their Period?This is one of the most common concerns, especially among first-time female donors. According to Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director and Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, who spoke to Health and Me, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, women are advised not to donate during their menstruation, particularly during the 4-5 days of active bleeding. However, they are completely eligible to donate at any other time of the month if they are in good health.Can You Donate Blood While Recovering From An Illness?Health is key when it comes to blood donation. “A person should be completely healthy and free from fever or illness at the time of donation,” says Dr. Pathak. Moreover, certain medications can lead to deferral, and there is a comprehensive list maintained under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. So if you’re on a prescribed course, it’s best to consult a doctor or the blood bank before donating.Can You Donate Blood If You Have A Tattoo Or Piercing?Yes. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or body piercing, you’ll need to wait 12 months before you can donate blood. This is a precautionary step to ensure there’s no risk of transmitting infections.

red cross faces blood shortage, asks for immediate donations

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