Red Cross declares national blood supply crisis

The Red Cross announced this week the nation’s blood supply is dangerously low, calling the situation a national crisis. The organization said many blood centers have less than a one-day supply of some blood types on hand. Donor turnout declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Red Cross reporting a 34% decline in new donors. Many blood drives were also cancelled in response to pandemic constraints and staffing challenges. (CBS News article, 1/11/22)