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

ARLINGTON, VA — 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."

Through March 20, more than 6,000 blood drives have been canceled across the U.S. over coronavirus concerns, resulting about 200,000 fewer blood 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."

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.

SEE ALSO:

• First Coronavirus Death In Fairfax County Reported
• NoVa Churchgoers Warned To Self-Quarantine Over Coronavirus
• Loudoun School Principal Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• Marriott To Furlough Tens Of Thousands Amid Coronavirus Outbreak