For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – Aspirus Health this week provided information on donating blood as the U.S. and other countries are experiencing a “critical” shortage.
“According to the American Red Cross, every day approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the United States,” Aspirus stated. “Unfortunately, this country and many others are running out.”
Aspirus noted that earlier this year, the American Red Cross announced a national blood crisis, its worst blood shortage in over a decade.
“A blood crisis can delay critical blood transfusions and pose a risk for cancer patients, trauma victims, and others with ongoing health problems,” Aspirus said. “In addition, with a limited supply of blood, doctors are forced to put pauses on lifesaving treatments and surgeries as they wait for more blood to arrive.”
“Safe blood and blood products are an essential element of every health care system,” said Melissa Marquardt, lab blood bank technical specialist at Aspirus. “Since the pandemic, blood donations have drastically decreased and they are still nowhere near back at the level needed.”
Aspirus said that out of the 35% of Americans who are eligible to donate blood, only 10% donate.
“Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured,” Aspirus stated. “They can only come from the generosity of volunteer donors.”
For more information on donating blood, call the Blood Center of Northcentral Wisconsin at 866-566-5900 or the Community Blood Center at 800-280-4102.
To locate a blood drive online, visit Blood Center of Northcentral Wisconsin at www.bcnwi.org/ or The Community Blood Center at www.communityblood.org.
“Donations take on average one hour and with just one donation, several lives can be saved,” Aspirus stated.