The American Red Cross is in the midst of it’s worst blood shortage in more than a decade. There are days when there is less than a one day supply of blood on the shelves and regional spokesman Josh Murray says that is impacting patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions.
“We’re at a level where doctors have to decide what transfusions can we do, what do we have to put off, what treatments do we need to put off until later until maybe we can get a healthier blood supply in place. Murray says they are offering a big incentive to try and get more people to roll up their sleeve and giving the gift of life.
“Anybody who comes to give during the month of January will be eligible for a raffle for two tickets for this year’s Super Bowl,” Murray says. That includes all your travel, hotels and tickets to the game.
Murray says the surge in COVID-19 cases and other seasonal illnesses, staffing issues and ongoing blood drive cancellations has resulted in the crisis situation. He says all types are needed. Go to Red Cross blood.org to make an appointment or call 1-800-Red Cross.