GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The U.S. is in critical need of blood donations right now. Those who work in the medical field say it’s the worst shortage they’ve seen in their careers.
“I have never in 31 years received notification from the Red Cross that the nationwide supply is so low you need to look into your surgery schedule into the next several weeks and figure out what to do if we’re not able to meet your blood demand,” said Dr. Paul Casey, the emergency department medical director at Bellin Health.
Dr. Casey tells FOX 11 the supply is okay for now. But, Bellin is preparing if surgeries need to be postponed, starting with elected surgeries.
“We’re looking at potentially altering surgery schedules if we don’t get more supply.”
Dr. Casey says demand is much high than supply, especially for Type O blood. He says while many reasons contribute to the blood shortage, the pandemic is a major one.
“Now the pandemic is over we’re seeing people who have delayed seeking medical care, their underlying conditions have worsened so if it progressed to a point they need surgery it may now have a more complex operation.”
Nicole Terrien with American Red Cross in Green Bay also wants to remind people, it’s easy to donate. She tells FOX 11 all you need is an I.D. to verify identification, and about an hour of your time.
“I think a lot of folks think they need to be in a large city to donate and that’s just not the case. We come to rural areas all throughout Wisconsin.”
The Red Cross is asking anyone looking to donate, to sign up ahead of time on their website for the local blood drives. This way they can manage their limited time.
“The appointment prefer process is a great way to make sure you have an appointment, it’s reserved for you, we’re going to get you in,” said Terrien.
The Red Cross also says getting the Covid-19 vaccine has no impact on donating. You are still able to give blood.
You can sign up to give blood with the Red Cross here. As well as the Community Blood Center that serves the Fox Valley here.
