Blood Shortage Looms Over Philly Region as Winter Holidays Take Their Toll
A severe shortage of blood donations has hit the region, with New Jersey officials declaring a blood emergency after a 40% decline in donations over the past year. The drop is attributed to various factors, including inclement weather, an early and severe flu season, and reduced giving during the holidays.
"We're on the cusp of a shortage, and we're trying not to go over it," said Alana Mauger, spokesperson for American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. "There have been more unfilled appointment slots and people not showing up at appointments than usual this time of year."
The blood shortage is just one consequence of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities and hospital protocols. Over the past 20 years, donations have declined by approximately 40%, with no substitute for donated blood in trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, or chronic conditions.
"Blood is needed every single day," said Jeannie Mascolino, vice president of blood operations at New Jersey Blood Services. "There's no alternative when donations fall short."
Those eligible to donate must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 116 pounds, and be in good health. Donors can typically give blood every 56 days up to six times a year.
Mauger attributes the underutilization of blood donation to people not being asked to participate. "Consider this an ask," she said. Interested donors can find their nearest blood drive by visiting the Red Cross website and entering their ZIP codes or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, which informs donors when – and where – their donations are used.
New Jersey officials urge residents to visit walk-in blood collection centers and become regular donors to help alleviate the shortage. As the Philly region teeters on the brink of a blood emergency, it remains to be seen how quickly the situation can be mitigated through increased donations.
A severe shortage of blood donations has hit the region, with New Jersey officials declaring a blood emergency after a 40% decline in donations over the past year. The drop is attributed to various factors, including inclement weather, an early and severe flu season, and reduced giving during the holidays.
"We're on the cusp of a shortage, and we're trying not to go over it," said Alana Mauger, spokesperson for American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. "There have been more unfilled appointment slots and people not showing up at appointments than usual this time of year."
The blood shortage is just one consequence of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities and hospital protocols. Over the past 20 years, donations have declined by approximately 40%, with no substitute for donated blood in trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, or chronic conditions.
"Blood is needed every single day," said Jeannie Mascolino, vice president of blood operations at New Jersey Blood Services. "There's no alternative when donations fall short."
Those eligible to donate must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 116 pounds, and be in good health. Donors can typically give blood every 56 days up to six times a year.
Mauger attributes the underutilization of blood donation to people not being asked to participate. "Consider this an ask," she said. Interested donors can find their nearest blood drive by visiting the Red Cross website and entering their ZIP codes or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, which informs donors when – and where – their donations are used.
New Jersey officials urge residents to visit walk-in blood collection centers and become regular donors to help alleviate the shortage. As the Philly region teeters on the brink of a blood emergency, it remains to be seen how quickly the situation can be mitigated through increased donations.
seriously tho dont be all lazy and forget thats we all live in a world where theres ppl who need transfusions. i mean its not like u gotta drop everything from ur sick gaming session or whatever but a few hours out of ur life cant hurt anyone?
. I mean, who didn't see this coming with all the people hibernating at home due to the flu and winter weather? 
It's like they say, "if you're not using it, you'll lose it" 
. 40% decline in donations over the past year is insane! Like, what happened to all those social media campaigns to encourage blood donation? 
And don't even get me started on people not showing up for appointments... it's just basic responsibility, folks 
. Anyway, I guess this is just another example of how our society takes things for granted until it's too late... sigh 
! I mean, 40% decline in donations over the past year? That's like, crazy! 
And you're right, people not being asked to donate is a huge part of it. Like, why not ask your friends and family to come down with you for a blood drive? It's literally just an hour of your time 
!
!
what kinda world is this? i remember back in the day, ppl wouldnt even ask their neighbors to donate blood, now we gotta beg them 
seriously tho, who's responsible for gettin us more donors? its not like it took a global pandemic or anything 
. And then there's the whole thing with the flu season and inclement weather... just another excuse, right? 
. We're so focused on buying gifts for others, but what about donating life-saving blood? 
. The American Red Cross is doing a great job of spreading awareness, but I think we need to make it more accessible and appealing to younger people, especially those who are eligible to donate 
. We can't rely on the usual suspects alone; we need more people to step up and give 
the thing is, it's not just about the number of donations, but also about people showing up to donate in the first place 
like, we need to ask people to participate more, you know? 
and btw, 40% decline in donations over the past year is pretty alarming... i hope they can get this sorted out ASAP