There’s a national blood shortage, but it’s a problem that can be solved

The American Red Cross says it’s facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

By Stephanie Kim
A phlebotomist tends to a blood donor during the Starts, Stripes, and Pints blood drive event in Louisville, Ky., in July. Rising numbers of organ transplants, trauma cases, and elective surgeries postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused an increase in the need for blood products.
A phlebotomist tends to a blood donor during the Starts, Stripes, and Pints blood drive event in Louisville, Ky., in July. Rising numbers of organ transplants, trauma cases, and elective surgeries postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused an increase in the need for blood products. Getty Images
A phlebotomist tends to a blood donor during the Starts, Stripes, and Pints blood drive event in Louisville, Ky., in July. Rising numbers of organ transplants, trauma cases, and elective surgeries postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused an increase in the need for blood products.
A phlebotomist tends to a blood donor during the Starts, Stripes, and Pints blood drive event in Louisville, Ky., in July. Rising numbers of organ transplants, trauma cases, and elective surgeries postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused an increase in the need for blood products. Getty Images

There’s a national blood shortage, but it’s a problem that can be solved

The American Red Cross says it’s facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

By Stephanie Kim
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The American Red Cross is warning of a national blood crisis. The organization says it’s facing its worst shortage in more than a decade.

Reset learns more about what’s causing the shortage, how it’s impacting hospitals and what you can do to help.

GUESTS: Celena Roldan, CEO of Illinois Red Cross

Dr. Christina Barriteau, medical director of the blood bank at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago