SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (June 15, 2021) — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory.
Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are being urged to make an appointment to donate.
Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants.
In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021 – more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.
In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions.
Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes.
Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.
Those who donate now through June 30th will receive a $5 Amazon gift card.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 15-30 in Springfield:
- 6/15/2021: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/18/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/19/2021: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/20/2021: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/22/2021: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/25/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/26/2021: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/27/2021: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 313 E. Battlefield, Ste B
- 6/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., American Legion Post 69, 149 Memorial Plaza
