Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage

Leah Androski ECB Publishing, Inc. Over the last 20 years, blood donations through the Red Cross have fallen almost 40 percent. The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donations to help with the shortages and ensure lifesaving medical procedures will continue without any delays. Factors such as more people working remotely have caused a decline in donations. Before the pandemic, the Red Cross changed eligibility guidelines for donors, like raising the hemoglobin limit, which caused deferrals among 16- to 18-year-old donors. Also, winter weather and seasonal respiratory illnesses will decrease the number of donations due to donors recovering. “One of the most distressing situations for