New effects of pandemic leading to significant drop in nation’s blood supply

FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise– and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.

“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Greg Novinska, Regional Donor Services Executive, Red Cross Wisconsin Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”

Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions.Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.

 Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now.As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Final weeks for COVID-19 antibody testing

As more than a third of Americans have become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for blood, platelet and plasma donations.

Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination.The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase as the nation continues to journey out of this pandemic.

World Sickle Cell Day: June 19

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, an important dayfor the more than 100,000 individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. Most people with this disease are of African descent and will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease.Some individuals with sickle cell disease may require as many as 100 units of blood per year.

The Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Since the best blood match for a patient receiving ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to give blood and help increase the number of diverse donors so we can find the best match for all patients.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 15-30

Clark

Greenwood

6/24/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., K & S Logistics, 111 East Miller

Loyal

6/17/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion Hall, 302 N Union St

Neillsville

6/21/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 73, 6 Boon Blvd, PO Box 204

Thorp

6/22/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thorp Fire & Ambulance District Station, Corner of Cty Rd X and S Wilson St

6/23/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thorp Fire & Ambulance District Station, Corner of Cty Rd X and S Wilson St

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Green Lake

Green Lake

6/24/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 518 Water Street

Markesan

6/23/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St Joseph Catholic Church, 41 Saint Joseph St

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Jackson

Alma Center

7/15/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Lincoln High School, 124 S School St

Black River Falls

6/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Comfort Inn & Suites, W10170 Hwy 54 E

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Juneau

Mauston

7/13/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Lodge at Mauston, 104 Lodge Lane

New Lisbon

6/17/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 525 S Washington

Wonewoc

6/29/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Legion Hall, 108 Center St

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La Crosse

Bangor

7/14/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Bangor High School, 700 10th St

La Crosse

6/15/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/16/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/18/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/18/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Valley View Mall, 3800 State Rd 16

6/18/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Avenue

6/19/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/21/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/22/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/23/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/25/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/26/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/28/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/29/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

6/30/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/2/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/2/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Roncalli Newman Center Parish, 1732 State St

7/2/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran School, 803 St. Paul Street

7/3/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/5/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/6/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/7/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/7/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Avenue

7/9/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/10/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/12/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Radisson Center, 300 Front St.

7/12/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/13/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/13/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Trinity United Church of Christ, W4888 Harvest Ln

7/14/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/16/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

7/17/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

Onalaska

7/6/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Luther High School, 1501 Wilson

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Langlade

Antigo

7/13/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., WI Army National Guard Armory, 720 Amron Ave

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Marathon

Mosinee

6/25/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Mosinee Brewing Company, 401 4th S

Wausau

6/18/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Woodson YMCA, 707 Third St

7/14/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., West High School, 1200 W Wausau Ave

7/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Rd

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Marquette

Montello

6/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion, W3008 State Rd 23

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Monroe

Fort McCoy

6/23/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., McCoy’s, 1571 S 9th Ave

7/16/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., McCoy’s, 1571 S 9th Ave

Sparta

6/15/2021: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Barney Community Center, 1000 E Montgomery Street

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Portage

Amherst

6/28/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 293 S Main St

Stevens Point

6/15/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/17/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/18/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/22/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/24/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/25/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

6/29/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/1/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/2/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/5/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/6/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/8/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/9/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/12/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/13/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/15/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

7/16/2021: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201C Main St

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Vernon

Chaseburg

7/1/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Village Hall, 400 Depot Street

Ontario

6/30/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., String Swing, 27515 WI-131

Readstown

7/3/2021: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 112 East Center St.

Stoddard

6/28/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, 303 N Main Street

Westby

6/21/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Westby Coon Prairie Church, 500 S Main Street

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Waupaca

Clintonville

7/14/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Clintonville Lanes, 250 County Hwy I

Waupaca

6/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Faith Community Church, N2541 County Road K

7/12/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Waupaca Recreation Center, 407 School St

7/16/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Lakes Community Church, 153 Cty Rd QQ

Weyauwega

7/13/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., St Peters Lutheran School, 312 W Main

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Waushara

Wautoma

6/16/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Waushara County Courthouse, 209 South Saint Marie Street

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Wood

Marshfield

6/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA, 410 West McMillan St

Nekoosa

6/16/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nekoosa High School, 500 S. Cedar St.

Rudolph

6/15/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rudolph Volunteer Fire Department, 1559 Main Street

Wisconsin Rapids

7/6/2021: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 1531 Whitrock Ave

7/9/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lincoln High School, 1801 16th St S

Blood drive safety

The Red Cross has updated its pandemic safety protocols in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Don’t wait to give

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.