SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – During the summer months, the Red Cross experiences low blood drive participation. City Hall is hosting a blood drive to help increase the national blood total.
Some hospitals may have a difficult time carrying out important procedures for patients this summer. That’s because of a shortfall in blood donations in the summer months.
While there are often blood shortages during the summer months, this summer has seen particularly acute shortfalls. Many potential donors have been hesitant to participate because of social distancing restrictions and fear of contracting COVID. American Red Cross account manager Katie Hout says that the national blood supply is at its lowest level in 18 months.
This creates a problem for hospitals that require the blood for important procedures, including organ transplants. Hout says that the number of organ transplants, trauma cases and elective surgeries has been rising recently. But with the blood shortages in the national supply, many hospitals will have a difficult time completing these procedures.
Officials at Syracuse City Hall are attempting to aid the Red Cross in its efforts to increase the number of blood donors in the central New York area. During the coronavirus pandemic, City Hall went from hosting two blood drives a year to two a month. Hout says that the Red Cross and City Hall have a strong partnership.
City Hall hosted one of its blood drives today. To encourage people to participate, Hout says she makes it clear to the public that the Red Cross takes many steps to ensure the safety of t donors. including social distancing and mask wearing. The event began at 10 a.m. and went until 3 p.m. Appointments were required to participate. The Red Cross hosts other blood drive events throughout the year in the Syracuse area.
