FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—The American Red Cross, the Lamont Administration and the Connecticut Hospital Association are urging residents to donate blood as the country battles a severe blood shortage.
Hospitals across the country are seeing an increase in demand for blood as more patients who had treatments and procedures deferred during the pandemic return, according to American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region COO Richard Branigan.
The shortage is also due to a typical wane in blood donations during the summer, Branigan explained.
About 12% more blood products are being distributed to hospitals across the nation compared to last year, Red Cross officials said.
This shortage is putting a strain on Connecticut's blood supply, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said.
"We have a one-day blood supply and that puts us in a precarious situation. Ideally, we need a five-day blood supply so that we have enough to take care of the people of our state," she said.
That one-day supply is particular to type O blood, though Red Cross officials said all blood types are needed at the moment.
The shortage has delayed treatments in certain parts of the country. Though UConn Health hasn't yet seen any delays in care, CEO Dr. Andy Agwunobi said the shortage is both noticeable and concerning.
"This shortage has caused us to consider even more additional blood conservation strategies," Agwunobi said.
For additional information on how to donate, visit the American Red Cross website or the Red Cross Blood Donor App.