FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Fears over the coronavirus have resulted in a sharp decrease in blood donations leading the American Red Cross and Connecticut U.S. senators to encourage people to donate.
According to Connecticut Red Cross officials, 107 blood drives in Connecticut in the last couple of weeks have been cancelled. This equals to about 3,190 donations that have gone uncollected, officials say.
With lower turnouts at blood drives, officials say there's a concern about the lack of donations. With someone in the United States needing blood every two seconds, officials say a lack of donations can be a public health crisis in itself.
U.S Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy visited the American Red Cross in Farmington Thursday to encourage those who can donate to do so, particularly young people.
Donating blood is "safe. Smart. It's life-saving," Blumenthal says.
Red Cross officials say blood drive locations are taking every precaution possible with COVID-19, including checking donors' temperatures at the door, keeping chairs and tables at least 6 feet apart, wiping down surfaces, and encouraging social distancing.
Nationally, there have been over 4,500 blood drive cancellations which means around 150,000 fewer donations.
Those interested in donating can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.