There’s a serious blood shortage in the United States, putting hospitals, patients, and
medical personnel in the midst of one of the most critical times for blood donations since
1969, when President Nixon signed the proclamation making January National Blood
Donor Month.
“This year’s National Blood Donor Month comes as the nation’s blood supply has dipped
to concerning levels and could force hospitals to delay essential blood and platelet
transfusions,” the Red Cross said in a January 2022 news release. “Blood donors of all
blood types—particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most—are needed
now to give blood or platelets to help meet daily hospital demands.”
As The New York Times reported in an article published December 25, 2021, the
pandemic has contributed to the blood shortage in multiple ways, including: cancelled
blood drives, difficulty attracting and retaining staff to collect donations, and concerns
from individuals and organizations about potential coronavirus exposure for themselves,
family members, or employees.
Bloody facts
The Red Cross reports that it provides about 40% of the country’s blood and blood components, thanks to donors. “But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of
age-eligible people donate blood yearly,” it says on its website. “Each new donor helps us
meet patient needs.”
Here are some other blood-related facts found on its website:
One donation can save up to three lives.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets.
Less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets.
One car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets.
Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
If you’re able to donate, please do
On its website, The Red Cross posted this call-to-action: “This is serious. The Red Cross is
experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply
levels have forced some hospitals to defer hospitals from major surgery, including organ
transplants. Your donation is desperately needed this holiday season. Please schedule an
appointment to give now.”
The Red Cross, AABB, and America’s Blood Centers issued a joint statement in December
21, detailing the need for blood donations and providing links and phone numbers to learn
when and where blood drives are happening—and to schedule appointments.
AABB: www.aabb.org ; +1 (301) 907-6977
America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org; +1 (202) 393-5725
American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org; +1 (800) RED-CROSS or +1 (800) 733-2767
Additional incentive: a chance to go to the Super Bowl!
Helping to save someone’s life by giving blood is pretty wonderful, but in recognition of
National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross and the NFL have teamed up to give blood
donors the chance to win two Super Bowl tickets! Blood donations must be made between
January 1 and January 31. Interested donors who want a chance to win can read more here.
Even those who don’t win Super Bowl tickets could get lucky with another give-away—the
Big Game at Home package for an awesome viewing experience at home!
Important Disclosures
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views
or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
This material was prepared by LPL Financial.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products
are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not an
LPL Financial affiliate, please note LPL Financial makes no representation with respect to such entity.