The national blood crisis may put patients at risk, according to the Red Cross.

“The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis — its worst blood shortage in more than a decade,” according to a release from Greater Pennsylvania Region Communications and Marketing Director Lisa Landis. “Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.”

“In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals,” Landis said. “At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.”

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types — especially type O — are urged to make an appointment now to give in the weeks ahead,” she said.

“The Red Cross continues to confront relentless challenges due to COVID-19, including about a 10 percent overall decline in the number of people donating blood as well as ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations,” Landis said. “Additionally, the pandemic has contributed to a 62 percent drop in blood drives at schools and colleges.”

“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply,” Red Cross Medical Director Dr. Baia Lasky said. “Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care.”

“Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS,” Landis said.

There will be a Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at First Presbyterian Church in Warren.

Future drives may be found by visiting redcrossblood.org and searching by zip code.

Donors are doing more than saving lives, they’re putting themselves in position to possibly win tickets to Super Bowl 56.

“The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the national blood shortage,” Landis said. “Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway 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,” she said.

In addition to donors, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help out at drives.

“The Red Cross also needs the help of volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country,” Landis said. “Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists – another volunteer opportunity – provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.”