The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, which poses a risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.

The blood shortage crisis has several causes:
There’s been a 10% overall blood donation decline since states and cities began stay-at-home orders and shutdowns starting in March 2020.
There’s been a 62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic.
Also, there are many ongoing blood drive cancellations due to illness, weather-related closures and staffing limitations.
The Redwood Falls blood drive is scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. each day.  According to Heather Smith, one of the Redwood Falls blood drive organizers, Monday’s appointment book has almost filled completely. However, there are still several appointments available for Tuesday, January 18
If donors have the Blood Donor App, they can schedule their appointment with a click of a button, or they can go to www.redcrossblood.org and schedule that way.  People wanting to donate can call Redwood Falls scheduler Paulette Kosel, at 507-829-0383 if they would like to schedule an appointment in person.  If anyone has any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the blood drive coordinator, Heather Smith, at 507-430-4695.