ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Red Cross says trauma centers are seeing a big spike in cases and that's contributing to a severe blood shortage. Demand at trauma centers alone is up 10% in 2021 compared to 2019.
So they're now offering an incentive to give blood: gift cards.
Hospitals are seeing an increase in organ transplants, overdoses and elective surgeries as well, according to the Red Cross. In a statement the organization says, "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."
The Red Cross says some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes.
Red Cross Missouri and Arkansas and Southwest/Southeast Illinois Regions are offering $5 Amazon gift cards through the end of the month to encourage blood donations.
To schedule an appointment, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to RedCrossBlood.org
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