CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Blood donation services said the latest COVID-19 surge is having a big impact on them and that donors are badly needed.
The American Red Cross said its current blood supply is at its lowest level in more than 10 years. Vitalant, formerly called LifeSource, said blood donations have not been this low in more than two years.
“It’s actually the perfect storm of reasons that people aren’t donating. Clearly, COVID has been a big factor. So many blood drives have been canceled by organizations who traditionally hosted blood drives,” spokeswoman Kristen Lane said.
Lane also said like everywhere else, Vitalant has a staff shortage and people are getting sick with COVID-19.
“Worst case scenario, if that actually happens, we are not able to provide blood that hospitals need to treat their patients. As a result, some elective surgeries may need to be postponed or canceled,” she said.
Blood and platelets are also needed for transfusions for people with diseases such as sickle cell anemia and some types of cancers, Lane added.
Erin Calangelo said she donates blood about five times a year, including today.
“It’s something that I can actually do. Sometimes it feels like there aren’t ways you can help but this is definitely a way,” Calangelo said.
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