It was noted at a recent Rotary Zone meeting with RI Board Member Suzi Howe that the health care industry is in major disarray due to burnout (the national health care worker shortage is at 20%). Also, there is a great need for blood of all types. The need for blood has never been as great as it is currently, so we are asking clubs throughout District 5580 to work with their local blood banks to make a local blood drive a club make up or program.
Worst Blood Shortage in Over a Decade
(Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/)
The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. Please schedule your blood donation today.
What is causing the blood shortage crisis?
• 10% overall blood donation decline since March 2020.
• 62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic. Student donors accounted for 25% of donors in 2019 but just 10% during the pandemic.
• Ongoing blood drive cancellations due to illness, weather-related closures and staffing limitations.
• Additional factors like a surge of COVID-19 cases and an active flu season may compound the already bad situation.
At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges, the Red Cross is no different. We are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it.