'Severe Blood Shortage:' Red Cross Needs Donations Amid Outbreak

BETHESDA, MD — The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood donations to replenish a dwindling blood supply in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The humanitarian organization on Tuesday tweeted that it's facing "a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations."

Nearly 2,700 blood drives have been canceled over coronavirus fears as of Tuesday, resulting in roughly 86,000 fewer donations. The blood shortage could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer, the Red Cross said.

"I am looking at the refrigerator that contains only one day's supply of blood for the hospital," said Dr. Robertson Davenport, director of Transfusion Medicine at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. "The hospital is full. There are patients who need blood and cannot wait."

Both the Red Cross and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan are urging people to donate blood.

"Each and every one of us will have to work together as we face this unprecedented crisis," Hogan tweeted.

There is no evidence that suggests COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion, according to the Red Cross.

"As a nation, this is a time where we must take care of one another including those most vulnerable among us in hospitals," said Gail McGovern, president and chief executive officer, American Red Cross. "One of the most important things people can do right now during this public health emergency is to give blood. If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible."

Click here to schedule an appointment and learn more about donating blood.

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