The American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years, in what the organization says is an emergency shortage.
In all, the Red Cross says that the number of people donating blood has dropped by 40% over the last two decades, and that the shortage could worsen in coming months if winter weather or seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu or COVID-19 cause people to cancel their donation appointments.
“The potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, in a statement on Monday. “Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
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