Hospitals and organizations are facing a critical shortage in blood supply

Hospitals and organizations are facing a critical shortage in blood supply. 

Organizations like Vitalant and the American Red Cross have issued a call for donations as blood supplies reach critical lows.

The American Red Cross cited an increase in the number of trauma cases, transplants and elective surgeries as one of the primary factors in the blood shortage. As reported by the Leader, hospitals are seeing a spike in care requests and emergency room visits for issues delayed during the COVID pandemic.

Vitalant’s communications manager, Brooke Way, said the organization needs to collect approximately 450 units of blood each day in order to maintain the supply for the Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota regions.

“Blood has a short shelf life and must be continually replenished, especially in the summer months when donations tend to decrease,” Way said. “On average, donors give several thousand fewer donations during the summer months compared to the rest of the year, though the need for transfusions remains steady.”

According to American Red Cross statistics, someone is in need of a transfusion of blood or platelets every two seconds. Less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. 

With less than half of the population eligible to donate blood, the need becomes that much more critical for those able to give. Vitalant has faced cancellations with blood drives scheduled at businesses, due to pandemic restrictions and remote work. According to Way, more than 290 blood drives that account for 6,100 donations were cancelled for the month of June.

“Seasonally there’s usually a lull during summer for donations,” said Kelly Tracer, media communication specialist for UCHealth. “People take vacations, the kids are out of school and everyone’s schedule is disrupted so they get out of the habit of their regular donations.”

Tracer echoed the American Red Cross concerns around the increase in trauma cases. According to Tracer, while blood donations recede during the summer months, trauma and injury cases increase due to recreational accidents. 

“We’re really urging folks to give blood in the next three weeks,” Tracer said. “It will help, but we expect this shortage to be ongoing for the next few months.”

Tracer addressed concerns for would-be donors on the fence due to a fear of needles.

"Donating blood is actually a very simple process. The donation process takes 30-45 minutes. Most of that time is used to fill out a health history and consent forms, take the donor's vitals and a finger-stick test that checks the volume of red blood cells. The actual drawing of blood usually only takes five to 10 minutes," Tracer said. "Our phlebotomists are great at working with first-time donors and donors who are a little worried about the needle. They can help them relax and talk them through it."

Vitalant is hosting several blood drives in Longmont before the end of the month, including at Left Hand Brewing, Edward Jones and Longmont United Hospital. Longmont residents interested in giving blood can look into American Red Cross, Vitalant and UCHealth to determine the best donation center for them.