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The Red Cross says the country's current blood supply is so dangerously low that it's declaring its first-ever national blood crisis. COVID has caused a Red Cross staffing shortage and decline in donors as well as canceled many blood drives. There was a 34% decrease in new donors in 2021 compared to the year before.
The Red Cross warns "If the nation's blood supply does not stabilize soon, life-saving blood may not be available for some patients when it is needed" while calling this "the worst blood shortage in more than a decade."
The organization added that there has been less than a one-day supply of critical blood types in recent weeks.
The Red Cross is urging you to:
- host a blood drive
- donate blood, platelets or plasma
- recruit friends to donate
- volunteer at a blood drive
Learn how you can help at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Or if you are available today (Jan 13th) before 3pm, Ontario International Airport is hosting a blood drive at Terminal 1.