The nation’s blood supply is dangerously low, prompting the American Red Cross to declare a “national blood crisis” for the first time in its history.
The COVID pandemic has led to a decline in donor turnout, the cancellation of some blood drives and staffing challenges for the Red Cross. Remy Kennedy says while shortages are not uncommon, the severity of this shortage is what led them to declare a national crisis.
In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types. Over the next month, about 39 percent of blood donation appointments remain unfilled in the Kentucky Region.
Kennedy says the shortage means doctors are being forced to make tough decisions about who will get blood transfusions and who won’t.
You can make a donation appointment by using the Red Cross blood donor app or visiting RedCrossBlood.org. You can also donate locally through the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center, which is located on South Virginia Street in Hopkinsville. They can be reached by calling (270) 885-0728.