American Red Cross declares national blood supply crisis as shortage worsens

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – For only the second time in its history, the American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis on Thursday.

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Due to extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses, the American Red Cross says donor turnout is at a four-year low, causing major shortages across the country.

Blood Bank of Hawaii (BBH) stated they’re feeling the impacts of these shortages and need both red blood cells and platelets, which are critical for trauma patients, cancer treatments, and scheduled surgeries.

BBH usually relies on mainland imports when it experiences shortages, but given the national shortage, the blood bank doesn’t want to rely on this option.

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President and CEO of Blood Bank Hawaii, Kim Anh Nguyen, said, “I’m concerned because now we have only six hours, six hours supply of universal OPAS, 10 hours supply of type A, and a day’s supply of ONEG. So it has not gotten better, and it’s gotten worse.”

Hawaii donors can help by making an appointment to donate at either Young Street Donor Center or Waikele Center, or finding a mobile blood drive near them. BBH hese donations play a critical role in ensuring the supply of lifesaving blood for all the state’s civilian hospitals.

To schedule an appointment, visit bbh.org or call (808) 848-4770. Stay updated by following @bloodbankhawaii on social media.

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