An emergency blood shortage has been declared. Local officials are asking residents to help out by donating blood if they’re able.

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage, as it experiences the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. The Red Cross’ East Texas chapter said donors are crucial during this time and hopes residents will show up to blood centers and area drives.

“Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion,” said Karen Holt, executive director of the Red Cross East Texas chapter. “Unfortunately, only about 3% of American citizens donate blood.”

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood through the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%, according to the American Red Cross. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion, according to the Red Cross.

Blood donation challenges

Additional challenges lie ahead as winter weather and seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 may affect future donor turnout compounding the dire blood supply situation that the nation currently faces, according to the Red Cross.

Texas winters can put a chill on the local blood supply, Carter BloodCare said. Blood donations can slump each winter because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses, the organization added. This makes the need for the lifesaving resource even greater, say officials with Texas-based Carter BloodCare.

Several factors have contributed to the decline in blood donors as the way in which people engage in the communities where they live, learn and work has evolved over the past two decades.

Most recently, COVID-19 accelerated this decline as more people embraced remote work making it challenging to meet people where they are with convenient blood drives. Prior to the pandemic, some eligibility changes were implemented to safeguard donors, such as raising the minimum hemoglobin thresholds, resulting in an increase in donor deferrals especially among young donors (16 to 18-year-olds).

More than a decade ago, there were also changes in blood transfusion protocols at hospitals that impacted the demand for blood. These changes illustrate the convergence of several factors that has made it challenging to keep and grow a motivated donor base to meet patient needs over the past two decades, according to the Red Cross.

Holt hopes there will be a good turnout during their blood drives next week in East Texas. All blood types are needed, but O types are specially needed as type O negative is a universal blood type and type O positive is used for transfusions, Holt said.

“Healthy individuals are needed to donate now and throughout the winter to help patients counting on this life saving blood,” Holt said. “I would just tell people to invite their friends and family. It truly is the gift of life. By donating one time, you can save up to three lives.”

Blood donation eligibility

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements, according to the Red Cross.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App, according to the Red Cross.

Don’t wait — make an appointment today to give blood or platelets to help ensure people receive the care they need. Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood drives in East Texas

Tyler

Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. at 320 East Rieck Rd

Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. — 2 p.m. at North Tenneha Church of Christ, 1701 N Tenneha Ave

Feb. 19 from 1 — 6 p.m. at Christus Mother Frances Hospital South Tyler, Carter BloodCare Bus, 8389 S. Broadway Ave.

Longview

Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at Broughton Recreation Center, 801 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

East Texans can also make an appointment at the American Red Cross Tyler location at 320 E Rieck Rd. Find a Red Cross location or drive near you at redcrosblood.org. Additionally, to find your earest Carter BloodCare donation location, visit CarterBloodCare.org or call 800-366-2834.