Critical Blood Shortage Due to Low Donor Turnout

The Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross is facing alarmingly low blood levels and is struggling to meet the requests of local hospitals. The morning began with six of the eight blood types below minimum inventory standards. Currently there are only ten units of type O Negative in inventory, 4 units of type A Negative and 28 units of O Positive. Types B Negative, A Positive and B Positive are also below minimum inventory standards.  In order to meet the needs of local hospitals, the Region should maintain a minimum three-day supply of all eight blood types.

The local Red Cross is working with hospitals to carefully manage the very limited local red blood cell inventory, moving blood products on hospital shelves to where they are most needed.  Low inventories across the country prevent other Red Cross regions from providing assistance.  Already neighboring Red Cross Regions in Toledo, Detroit, Lansing and Fort Wayne have reached critically low blood levels as well.

A typical trauma patient may need anywhere between 4 – 100 units of blood for treatment or survival. This example shows the great need for just one patient in one hospital. The Northern Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross serves 57 local hospitals throughout 19 counties. A minimum of 900 pints of blood must be collected daily to adequately meet the needs of these hospitals.

“Those willing to donate are needed immediately,” Victoria Rothacker said.  “At this point, we’re concerned about meeting routine needs.  We are not adequately positioned to support an extraordinary need that can occur at any time.”

Eligible blood and platelet donors are asked to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit RedCrossDonor.org to find a blood drive. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and present a valid state-issued photo ID or Red Cross donor card upon donation. 

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND DONATE visit http://www.redcrossdonor.org/events.asp to find a blood drive near you. OR CALL 1-800-GIVE-LIFE