Phlebotomist Josianne Fiefie, right, instructs Miami-Dade County Commissioner Xavier Suarez, left, to make a fist as he donates blood aboard a OneBlood blood donation bus, Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in Miami. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of blood donation sites have been closed and the need for blood is now critical.
Wilfredo Lee / AP
The pandemic has resulted in a critical shortage of blood across the country.
The head of the Red Cross in the Cascades region, Dale Kunce, said they’re struggling with several issues. First, patients who postponed surgeries because of COVID-19 are now returning for treatment. Second, people alter their summer routines because of things like vacations, so they miss donation appointments. And third, as the delta variant surges, people are concerned about donating.
“They want to make sure it’s safe, which it is,” Kunce said. “Our facilities are totally safe. Our phlebotomists — or the people sticking you with the needle, doing the vampire’s work there — are safe. They’re following all the protocols that they need to.”
Only about 38% of Americans are eligible to give blood, according to Kunce. Most people can’t because they’re either too young, taking medications or have lived in countries with diseases like malaria.
The Red Cross in the Cascades region is asking people to donate. Appointments can be scheduled on the Red Cross’ website, by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
