ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. (KNX) — The impacts of the national blood crisis were seen Monday in Los Angeles County, as a trauma center was forced to shut its doors for the first time in 30 years.
The trauma center at at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center was unable to take on new patients for more than two hours, L.A. County Health Services tweeted, urging all who saw the message to consider donating to save a life.
In order to reopen, Harbor-UCLA had to reach out to other hospitals in the Department of Health Services system, a spokesperson told The Los Angeles Times.
Anish Mahajan, the CEO and chief medical officer at the trauma center, said the national blood shortage is "severe and another devastating effect of COVID."
Tuesday the American Red Cross warned the United States of a dangerously low supply of blood, hoping to encourage Americans to donate.
The nonprofit said the "worst blood shortage in over a decade" is primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a 10% decline in number of people donating since March 2020.
Additional factors like the ongoing COVID surge and active flu season were also cited by Red Cross as "compounding and already bad situation."
The organization, which provides 40% of the nation's blood supply, even incentivized donations with a chance to win Super Bowl LVI tickets and other prizes.
Critically needed blood includes Type O positive, Type O negative and platelets, Red Cross said.
To find a donation center near you and schedule and appointment, click here.
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