Blood Shortage (3-25-20)

Blood Shortage (3-25-20)

>> cancelled blood drives caused by the novel coronavirus have led to a severe blood shortage at centers across the region.

The shortage could significantly impact patients here in our area, but we can do something about it.

Joining us is andy spring from the american red cross.

Thank you for being here today.

>> thank you for having me today.

>> well, i know you are working hard.

Tell us about the shortage.

>> yes, so one thing we're seeing right now of course is that with the cancellation of schools, businesses closing, people told to stay home is that a lot of our blood drives are being cancelled throughout the nation.

One shocking fact is that we've had over 6,000 blood drives across the nation cancel.

That means there is over 200,000 units of blood that haven't been collected.

That means that there is less blood on the shelves to try to get for hospitals.

Patients during this time are still needing to take chemotreatments.

Accidents are still happening where people need transfusions and blood products canting manufactured.

It's asking that can only be given arm to arm when somebody rolls up their sleeve.

During the time right now people are wanting to stay home and stay safe and we get that.

But we want the public to know that donating blood right now is safe as ever.

Please come out and support those local blood drives.

>> my mom is going through chemo right now in upstate new york and just had a blood transfusion last year.

So tell me, what kind of blood do you need most right now?

>> we need all kinds of blood right now really.

Anyone that will come out and take a 45 minutes out of their day to come and donate blood, that is what we need.

We're taking extra precautions as well.

So with the american red cross you can go to red cross blood.org or call 1-800-red cross and find the local blood drive near you.

Schedule an appointment.

When you show up we'll take your temperature before you come in.

If you are 99.5 or above, you will be deferred.

That does not necessarily mean that you have coronavirus.

It could just mean that you are coming down with something.

It could be a seasonal allergy, whatever the case may be.

You will be deferred but if you are healthy, don't have a temperature, schedule appointment and come out.

Once you pass that screening, we will then if we're busy we may have you wait in your car and text you.

When you do come through the process we're going to be mindful of social distancing.

It's a safe environment that is cleaned routinely after every donation we need people to come out.

If you are healthy we need you.

>> so good to know.

I know a lot of people are trying to be good neighbors.

They don't want to leave their home but is this considered an essential errand to run?

>> absolutely it is.

Just like you said with your mom.

People have to have blood products in order to survive.

A time that you need a blood transfusion o3 extra blood products, you are in a life situation where your life depends on it.

So again those are times when those critical needs need to be met.

Right now we're seeing elective surgeries not happening because again if there is not blood on the shelves, if something were to go wrong, they won't be able to help you.

We want to make sure that everyone has the blood they need this.

Is vital.

You are giving the gift of life.

If you are healthy please make an appointment to come out.

Our nation depends on you right now.

>> thank you so much for joining us tonight.

That is something positive that we can do.

I sure appreciate you coming on