The need for blood transfusions in COVID-19 patients has not let up, even two years into the pandemic. Blood drives were cancelled in early 2020, but even since donations returned, the blood supply is the lowest it’s been in more than a decade, according to the American Red Cross.
The need is now so great many hospitals fear they will have to delay care to patients.
Last week, UNC hosted its annual Holiday Carolina Blood Drive. Three hundred twenty units of blood were donated at the event, which the Red Cross said could impact up to 960 lives.
After the donations are tested and processed, they will be sent to hospitals all over the country to be used for trauma patients, cancer treatments and more.
THANK YOU to our 3️⃣3️⃣9️⃣ donors who gave 3️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ units of lifesaving blood at the Holiday Carolina Blood Drive in partnership with the CBS Sports Classic. Because of you & 6️⃣5️⃣ volunteers, these donations will impact up to 9️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ lives. YOU make all the difference. 👏🏼@RedCrossENC pic.twitter.com/m6pEMDY1G2
— Carolina Blood Drive (@UNCBloodDrive) December 8, 2021
Jennifer DeNeal is the chair of the planning committee for the Carolina Blood Drive. She said she was pleased with the turnout of the event because there is such a need to donate right now.
“The Red Cross is nationally looking at the lowest blood supply levels we’ve seen in almost 10 years,” DeNeal said. “There is a huge national shortage of blood.”
Despite the efforts of the Carolina Blood Drive, the Red Cross said it is desperate for more donations. The organization supplies 40 percent of the country’s blood, and now says if it does not receive help from more donors, then many patients may face delays in treatment.
Mace Robinson is the executive director of the Red Cross for Central North Carolina. He said because early months of the pandemic cancelled blood drives around the country, it’s been hard to recover those losses.
“Let’s be honest, most people have been cooped up for almost two years now,” Robinson said. “They’re looking to get back to that ‘normal,’ but also to travel and see family and friends. The last thing they’re thinking about is donating blood.”
That line of thinking has become especially true during the holiday season. Families taking vacations, busy holiday schedules and even winter weather have all become deterrents or distractions for donation.
DeNeal said she believes we can reframe blood donation as a worthwhile activity during this season of giving.
“As you think about what those new holiday traditions will be like following COVID, to make blood donation a part of that,” DeNeal said. “Let that be something you do as a family.”
Another possible solution to the shortage is education. Robinson said concerns about the safety of giving blood during the pandemic and not realizing the impact of a donation contribute to the problem.
“A lot of people are concerned, ‘oh well I just had my COVID vaccine, or I just had the flu shot, I’ll give next month,’” Robinson said. “Well, when the blood supply is this short, frankly we can’t wait until next month because hospitals will begin to start deferring surgeries that are needed now.”
The Red Cross said there is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as you are symptom-free.
Robinson said his message to those who are hesitant is to think about the community at-large.
“I think if people would just come into a blood drive in Durham, Cary or Raleigh and see the process — they can actually see how clean it is and how quick the process can be,” Robinson said. “[There’s] just a lack of knowing what the process looks like and how quick it can be done. What’s 45 minutes to save a life?”
If people are still uncertain about donating, DeNeal said it helps to bring a friend, eat a good meal and recognize the level of good you are doing for those around you.
The next blood drives in Orange County will be in Carrboro at the West End Theater on December 21 and in Chapel Hill at the Royal Grace Dance Academy on December 28.
For more information about blood drives near you or to make an appointment to donate visit RedCrossBlood.org.
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