U.S. Facing Nationwide Blood Shortage Amid Coronavirus Fears

The American Red Cross, which supplies almost half of the nation's donated blood, is urging healthy residents to make an appointment and donate blood as the country faces a "severe blood shortage" due to the new coronavirus crisis.

The Red Cross says that more than 2,500 blood drives have been canceled nationwide because of concerns about gathering in groups at workplaces, colleges and schools.

The organization estimates that the cancellations have resulted in 86,000 fewer blood donations.

The American Red Cross provides a page dedicated to its safety protocols for donating blood during the coronavirus outbreak.

To read more about the nationwide shortage of blood, please visit NPR.