BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The American Red Cross says the Lehigh Valley is feeling the effects of a nationwide blood supply crisis, with donations dropping to a four-year summer low and supplies of the most-needed blood type becoming so strained that the organization has limited some shipments to hospitals.
The shortages prompted the Red Cross to declare only the second national blood supply crisis in its history, warning that patient care could be delayed if donations do not rebound.
The organization says the current shortage is especially severe for type O blood, which is critical for trauma patients and emergency transfusions.
"In the Lehigh Valley, the blood supply is comparable to what we’re seeing nationally," said Cristina Maisel, communications manager for the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. "Donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this summer's emergency shortage."
Although the Red Cross prioritizes supplying local hospitals first, blood collected in the Lehigh Valley also is used to help meet demand across the country wherever it is needed, she said.
The organization is urging donors of all blood types to schedule appointments, but officials say people with type O blood are especially needed.
Type O positive is the nation's most commonly used blood type for routine transfusions, while O negative is considered the universal blood type and is frequently used in emergencies when there isn't time to determine a patient's blood type.
Nationally, the Red Cross says its supply of O positive blood has fallen below a one-day supply, forcing the organization to limit distributions of type O blood to hospitals while trying to preserve inventory for the most urgent cases.
Donors with type O blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation when available. The specialized donation collects a concentrated amount of red blood cells during a single appointment, allowing one donor to help more patients.
Summer challenges compound demand
Summer has traditionally been one of the most difficult times of year to maintain an adequate blood supply as vacations, school breaks and changing routines reduce donor turnout, Maisel said, noting a "significant drawdown" of available blood products.
This year, those seasonal challenges have been compounded by extreme heat, poor air quality and recent food-related illnesses that have kept many potential donors from giving blood, she said.
At the same time, hospitals are seeing increased demand during what's known as "trauma season" – the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when serious injuries from vehicle crashes, outdoor activities and other emergencies often increase.
Hospital demand has outpaced available donations, widening the gap between supply and patient need.
The Red Cross says it must collect more than 13,000 blood donations and about 3,000 platelet donations every day to supply roughly 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
Rebuilding takes sustained donations
While the Red Cross has seen thousands of people respond since issuing its emergency appeal, rebuilding the blood supply will take more than a short-term surge in donations.
Blood products cannot be stockpiled because they have limited shelf lives, meaning the supply depends on a steady stream of volunteer donors throughout the year.
"Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs lifesaving blood," Maisel said. "Replenishing the blood supply requires donors to give in days, weeks and months ahead to prevent delays in vital medical care."
The Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to make appointments as soon as possible, particularly those with type O blood, to help stabilize supplies before the shortage worsens.
Officials say that adding just three more donors at each blood drive this summer could help end the crisis and restore a more stable blood inventory.
Whole Blood - Considered the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets.
Power Red - Uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then returns your plasma and platelets to you.
Platelets - In a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects your platelets along with some plasma, returning your red cells and most of the plasma back to you.
Plasma - Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then returns your red blood cells and platelets to you.