Pandemic, winter blamed for severe blood-supply shortage

Jan. 27, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

American Red Cross poster image

As winter and the COVID-19 pandemic continue, so does the particularly severe shortage in the nation’s blood supply, according to the American Red Cross. 

Officials with the organization that supplies hospitals across the country with blood and platelets calls the current supply “the worst blood shortage in more than a decade.”

Winter weather has led to blood drive cancellations in many states, and COVID-19 continues to impact decisions by volunteers to make blood donations, Red Cross officials say. 

In Vermont donors are asked to schedule appointments to donate blood as soon as possible. Having adequate blood and platelet supplies helps ensure that patients in emergency rooms or those being treated for cancer and others who count on blood product transfusions will receive critical care without delays.

Blood drives are conducted with COVID-19 safety measures in place including a requirement that all volunteers, staff and donors wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

Scheduling a donation can be done quickest using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

Donors must bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification to their appointment. People age 17 and older (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

In January, the Red Cross and the NFL are partnering with a bonus for donors. Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Details online at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl. 

Those who donate in February will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card via email.

In addition, the Red Cross has multiple employment and volunteer opportunities available. The organization is recruiting blood collection employees and blood drive volunteers. Based in Burlington, Red Cross Mobile Phlebotomists help operate blood drives throughout the region. Applicants will need a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and a willingness to travel to blood drives throughout Vermont. No experience is necessary for entry-level positions.

The Red Cross provides a paid training program, health and dental benefits, 401K, paid time off, and a $1,000 sign-on bonus. 

Information on volunteer opportunities to support Red Cross blood collections is online at redcross.org/volunteerNNE.