Red Cross declares national blood shortage crisis
The American Red Cross is calling the current blood shortage a crisis.
Published: Jan. 13, 2022 at 5:04 PM EST|Updated: Jan. 14, 2022 at 5:18 AM EST
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The American Red Cross is calling the current blood shortage a crisis.
Their inventory is the lowest they have seen in ten years and the shortage is nationwide. Officials say the shortage has been exacerbated by fewer people donating during the pandemic. To meet patient demands in Vermont, they need 80 pints of blood a day.
“Blood is perishable, there is always a need. But yes, right now it is totally a crisis. Ten percent less since the pandemic started,” said the American Red Cross’ Lisa Fitzgerald.
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