CLEVELAND — The American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically-low blood supply levels.
What You Need To Know
- The American Red Cross and Cleveland Clinic partnered for a special blood drive at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- The blood supply is the lowest it has been in 10 years
- There are opportunities to donate blood in cities and towns across Ohio to address the urgent need
- Chase had two touchdowns in Week 14 versus the 49ers
Officials said donations usually decrease during the holidays, because of busy schedules, school closures and the weather, but 2021 is even worse.
“The struggle right now is that we were low prior to this time,” said Christy Peters, regional communications manager for the Red Cross. “As people get busy and start traveling that also means that they aren’t giving blood. So we are asking everyone if you are eligible to please consider coming out to donate blood in the next few weeks.”
In response to the devastating tornadoes in Kentucky, the Red Cross has donated more than 200 additional blood products to hospitals in those affected areas.
Officials said it makes the need for those in unaffected areas to donate even direr.
“Right now, the American Red Cross is seeing historically-low blood supplies that we have not seen in a decade,” said Peters.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Cleveland Clinic partnered to host the Red Cross on Tuesday and offered raffle prizes to those who donated, including a basketball signed by Cleveland Cavalier forward Kevin Love.
The group has hosted 12 blood drives since March 2020, resulting in more than 1,000 pints of blood being donated.
Some potential donors have asked about the protocol regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
“If you have received the vaccine or you’ve received your booster, you are still able to donate blood,” Peters said. “There’s no deferral period, the only thing that would stop you is if after one of those shots you weren’t feeling well, we want you to feel healthy and well on the day of your donation, so that’s the most important thing.”
Peters emphasized that it only requires approximately one hour to donate blood.
There are more opportunities to donate blood to the Red Cross this week at various locations across the state.
To find a local blood drive with the American Red Cross, click here.
