Blood supply shortage hits local hospitals
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The national threat of declining blood supply for patients in hospitals is starting to reach our local areas.
The American Red Cross is in charge of distributing the blood from us toward the local hospitals. They are stating simply that "more is being taken than given." The blood supply right now is some of the lowest we have seen in an entire decade.
COVID-19 is the major reason behind this shortage. It has made donors unable to give blood and has given the Red Cross staff shortages which has shut down clinics at occasional times. The Red Cross doesn't allow people to give blood while they have the virus, but does allow them to donate after they recover from it.
The Idaho Health and Welfare program is putting together a task force to combat this specific issue. They will be working on finding the causes to this problem, having constant contact with local hospitals, and working on solution to increase blood supply.
The best way for us to respond to this crisis is to donate blood ourselves. In order to schedule an appointment or find out if you are eligible to donate, call 1-800-RedCross.
