Ongoing COVID-19 pandemic causing critical shortage of blood

PITTSBURGH — There is a critical shortage of blood across Pennsylvania and the country.

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and major blood banks are urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate.

Every day, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the U.S., that’s according the department of health.  The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically decreased the number of volunteers who regularly donate blood.

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Another significant factor contributing to blood shortages is a decrease in the amount of people entering the field of phlebotomy.

Blood donations are a essential part of medical care for surgeries, traumatic injuries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses.

Vitalant is trying to get the word out, they desperately need donors.

“The reason we have a blood shortage is because we have a shortage of blood donors. And we really want to get the message out for anyone who has never donated blood before, please give it a try it will save lives,” said Kristen Lane of Vitalant.

All blood types are needed.

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