The American Red Cross declared the first-ever blood shortage amongst the Omicron variant surge. The country is in a crisis as we face the current blood shortage. Sadly, our healthcare system is already highly strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What A Blood Shortage Means For Patients
According to the American Red Cross, this is the worst blood shortage in over a decade. It poses a significant risk for patients. Thus, putting the difficult decisions on doctors to pick and choose who receives blood transfusions and who will wait. Blood and platelet donations are needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.
“While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”
Unfortunately, due to the high rates of COVID-19 in the communities, donations have diminished drastically. Pandemic challenges led to an overall 10% decline in people donating blood and a 62% decrease in blood drives at schools and colleges.
Possible Changes & Incentives In Donation Policies
Blood donation policies limits donations from homosexual and bisexual men. However, the shortage calls on lawmakers and LGBTQIA advocates to end those policies. In addition, the FDA issued revised donor guidelines early in the pandemic. The revision allowed homosexual and bisexual men to donate blood after refraining from sexual contact after three months instead of a year. The Red Cross recognized this revision as a step forward into a more inclusive donor environment.
Lastly, companies are offering incentives to eligible donors who donate blood. For instance, a popular food chain is giving away treats. The American Red Cross offered items such as Super Bowl tickets, $500 gift card, or more if an individual donated before a certain time.
