American Red Cross on alert after blood supply shortage

The American Red Cross, the largest humanitarian organization in the world, is carrying out a campaign to raise awareness and recruit blood donors in the face of the serious shortage of blood supplies generated by the freezing weather that has affected much of the national territory. In an interview for Mundo Latino, Jessica Gutiérrez, Commitment and Alliance Manager of the American Red Cross, commented that to raise awareness and request help from the community, the organization she represents is working hard throughout the country to encourage people to donate blood and make a difference.

“Blood is a vital resource that cannot be manufactured or replaced. Every day, thousands of patients need blood transfusions to save their lives, whether due to accidents, surgeries, chronic diseases or cancer. However, the demand for blood exceeds supply, and the situation has been aggravated by the impact of the winter weather, which has forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives throughout the country,” explained Gutiérrez.

According to Red Cross data, 370 blood drives have been suspended in more than 27 states since the start of the cold snap, resulting in more than 11,000 units of blood and platelets left uncollected. This shortfall comes at a critical time, as the Red Cross has declared a blood shortage emergency, underscoring the urgent need for donations to ensure the continuity of vital medical procedures. Given this situation, this non-governmental organization calls on the community to schedule appointments and donate blood or platelets through the Red Cross Blood Donors application, the website RedCrossBlood.org/español, or by calling 1-800 -RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“It is very easy and safe to donate blood. You must only be between 17 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50 kilos, be healthy, and have not donated blood in the last two months. The process lasts about 45 minutes, of which only 10 “They are for extraction. In addition, all biosafety protocols are followed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases,” Gutiérrez explained.

The Red Cross manager also highlighted the work the institution is doing to provide humanitarian aid to communities affected by the extreme cold, which has caused several people’s deaths and caused power outages, flight delays, school closures, and pipe damage due to freezing.

“In response to this scenario, the Red Cross is working closely with state and local authorities to confront the extreme cold. Support is provided to shelters and warming centers in several states, providing cots, blankets, and other essential resources to community groups that operate at these facilities. Psychological assistance and guidance are also offered to people who need it,” Gutiérrez emphasized, highlighting how proud she feels to be part of this humanitarian work, especially because she is the first Hispanic in this state to collaborate as a means between the community and the American Red Cross. Likewise, she urged the Latino community to join as a volunteer or donate blood in the face of this shortage alert that they are going through.

“The Red Cross is an organization that is based on volunteer work and people’s solidarity. We need more staff and more people who want to volunteer to continue to inform, raise awareness, and inspire people to donate blood because, by doing so, they are saving many lives. Blood has no color, no race, no religion. Blood is life, and we can all share it,” he concluded.

For more information about how, where, and when to donate blood or how to volunteer for the Red Cross, you can visit the website http://cruzrojaamericana.org, where you can also find information in Spanish.