DETROIT – The American Red Cross warns of an emergency blood shortage across the U.S., marking the lowest number of blood donors in the past 20 years. Blood and platelet donors are urged to make appointments to alleviate the shortage.
Gardner White held blood drives at three locations Tuesday, Jan. 9. Despite the weather, there was a steady number of donors at the Gardner White’s store in Waterford. However, the Red Cross reports a nearly 7,000 unit shortfall in blood donations between Christmas and New Year’s Day, meaning blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than it is being replenished.
“The need for blood is very urgent right now,” said Jamila Wilson, with the American Red Cross. “Because coming off of the holidays, donations have steadily declined.”
Wilson said severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses like influenza are compounding the situation.
Karen “Jan” Feldmann of Waterford, who has donated over 8 gallons of blood since 2001, shared her personal experience with her father’s uncommon blood disease that required numerous transfusions.
“In 2001 my father passed away of myelodysplasia. It’s an uncommon blood disease that requires numerous transfusions,” Feldmann said. “I’m here pretty much every 8-10 weeks to try to give blood in honor of my father and in honor of everybody else who desperately needs blood transfusions.”
While steadfast donors like Feldmann are essential, so are new donors, and that’s where reoccurring blood drives -- like the ones Gardner White hosts -- are so important.
“We’ve been really proud to partner with the Red Cross and WDIV for now 23 years,” said Gardner White president Rachel Stewart. “They’re the second largest blood drives in the state. The first is the U-M/MSU Blood Battle, but we’re proud to be second. In this case we’ve collected more than 16,000 units of blood.”
There will be additional opportunities to give blood on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Gardner White locations in Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Canton, Howell, Novi, Shelby Township and Warren.
Due to the national shortage, the American Red Cross is looking for blood types of all kinds.
More information can be found on the American Red Cross website.
