Blood donations still needed despite end to National Blood Shortage Crisis declared by the American Red Cross

West Henrietta, New York – For the first time in history, at the beginning of the year, the Red Cross declared a National Blood Shortage Crisis.

Blood supply across the country was at a historic low and officials locally said the supply was the worst it had been in over a decade.

According to Michael Tedesco, Regional Communications Director with the American Red Cross of Western New York, the shortage was due to a number of factors including the pandemic, supply chain issues, and staffing limitations.

“We’ve been operating in catch-up mode for quite a while,” Tedesco said.

But have we caught up yet? Or are we still in crisis mode? “We’re getting closer, but we still need more blood and more people to step forward,” Tedesco said.

The nation’s blood supply is no longer at the historic lows experienced when the crisis was declared earlier this year.

According to officials say we are nowhere near optimum levels and donors are needed. “The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood. We need to collect to stay on top of things about 13,000 units a day nationally. And we’ve been trying our best and struggling a bit to meet those,” Tedesco said. “The need is constant so get out there, schedule your appointments. We need your help.”

Donated blood can go to save trauma or surgical patients. Platelet donations can go to those undergoing cancer or sickle cell treatment. Both instances that help can help local people. “Blood is needed in our hospitals. It’s needed by our friends and neighbors every day,” Tedesco said.