<p>Supply chains around the world have affected the flow of goods around the world. Everything from <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/china-locks-down-important-manufacturing-city-worsening-global-computer-chip-shortage">semiconductor chips</a> needed to dietary staples like <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/potato-shortage-leads-to-global-shortage-of-french-fries-potato-chips">french fries</a>, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supply-chain-problems-lead-to-cream-cheese-shortage-in-new-york-city">cream cheese</a>, and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supply-chain-crisis-leads-to-shortage-of-chicken-tenders-second-chicken-shortage-in-2021">chicken tenders</a>. But COVID-19 lockdowns have also put a massive strain on an even more important resource: blood.</p>
<p>The American Red Cross announced a first-ever &#8220;national blood crisis&#8221; this week, amid the nation&#8217;s worst shortage of blood in more than decade.</p>
<p>&#8220;The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care,&#8221; the organization said in a statement on its <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/red-cross-national-blood-shortage-crisis.html">website</a>. &#8220;Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation&#8217;s blood donations, but the organization said it has had to limit its distributions to hospitals, adding that most hospitals may only receive 1 out of every 4 blood products they request. The organization added that it has less than a day&#8217;s worth of critical blood types, including O-positive and O-negative. Blood can not be stored or manufactured, exacerbating the need for donors.</p>
<p>The Red Cross cited four primary causes for the nationwide shortage:</p>
<ul>
<li>An overall decrease in blood donations by 10% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020</li>
<li>a 62% drop in blood drives at high schools and colleges since the pandemic forced schools to close and shift to remote learning. The Red Cross reported that student donations made up about 25% of donations in 2019, but dropped to just 10% over the course of the pandemic.</li>
<li>Continuing cancellations because of illnesses during the winter cold and flu season, weather-related closures, and staffing shortages</li>
<li>Possible future COVID surges complicating blood drives</li>
</ul>
<p>The Red Cross acknowledged that businesses and other organizations are experiencing difficulties because of COVID, but stressed the need to continue to donate blood, even as they continue to adjust.</p>
<p>The organization encouraged individuals to schedule a blood donation as soon as possible, and to schedule future donations in advance because of an anticipated ongoing need.</p>
<p>The Red Cross reiterated the need for donations in a <a href="https://americasblood.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Joint-Statement-on-Blood-Supply_Jan-2022.pdf">joint statement</a> with the Association for the Advancement of Blood &amp; Biotherapies and America&#8217;s Blood Centers. &#8220;As the blood community celebrates National Blood Donor Month this January, the nation’s blood supply remains at one of its lowest levels in recent years,&#8221; the groups wrote. &#8220;In recent weeks, blood centers across the country have reported less than a one-day’s supply of blood of certain critical blood types—a dangerously low level. If the nation’s blood supply does not stabilize soon, life-saving blood may not be available for some patients when it is needed.&#8221;</p>
<p>The groups reported that the U.S. use more than 16,000,000 units of blood in the course of a year, with more than 45,000 units used in transfusions every year. The groups also assured that vaccinated individuals are allowed to donate blood as long as they are symptom-free and feeling well. &#8220;The blood community appreciates the patience of blood donors and blood drive hosts during this tumultuous time for our nation,&#8221; the groups wrote.</p>

<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Red Cross Announces First-Ever ‘National Blood Crisis’

CONTINUE READING

Comer Says He ‘Can’t Track Down The Informant’ In Biden Family Investigation

Autistic Grocery Clerk Fired From California Supermarket After He Was Violently Assaulted Three Separate Times: Report

Justice Is…Bovine? Herd Of Cows Helps Round Up Criminal In North Carolina

Gavin Newsom’s Revised Budget Will Make California’s Budget Deficit Worse, Even As State Mulls Enormous Reparations Package

Oklahoma Police Run Toward To Cries For ‘Help’, Coming From A Very Upset Goat

California’s Reparations Committee Wants State To Apologize For Ronald Reagan Coining ‘Welfare Queens.’ Except, He Didn’t.

News

COVID

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— News —

Red Cross Announces First-Ever ‘National Blood Crisis’