American Red Cross declares national blood crisis

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The American Red Cross says its blood supply has hit a new all-time low, prompting it to declare a national blood crisis for the first time ever.

The organization is once again calling for more blood donations.

While it’s common for blood donations to dip during the winter months, the Red Cross says its inventory is especially low due to a number of factors including staffing shortages, supply chain issues and COVID.

"Since the start of COVID we’ve seen about a 10% decline in donors coming out to donate blood,” said Regional Donor Services Director Hanna Malak. “We want to reassure folks that it’s safe and it’s essential to come out. We’re looking for healthy donors, we’re checking their temperatures, we’re social distancing, masks are required."

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