Red Cross announces blood shortage crisis

It’s the worst blood shortage in over a decade, and the American Red Cross wants your help ensuring hospitals have enough blood for anyone who finds themself in need.

“This need is very great,” said Misty Hester with the Central-West Chapter of the American Red Cross. “This is the first time that we’ve been in a severe deficit.”

So what does that mean for anyone who needs a pint or more of blood?

“If you’re in an accident or something bad happens and there’s not enough blood, then it could mean someone’s life,” Hester said. “It is a life-saving mission. We say that and it truly is. When you give blood, you’re saving three lives.”

The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and aims to have five days’ worth of blood on its shelves for those in need.

Right now, they have a one-day supply, so they’re calling on blood donors more than ever.

WVUA 23 News stopped by a Red Cross blood drive at Christ Episcopal Church Thursday, and longtime donor Janece Chapman had a message for anyone who may be afraid to donate.

“I give blood because it’s the easiest thing I can give, honestly,” Chapman said. “It started when I was back in college, and I didn’t have money to give so I started giving blood.”

Giving blood costs nothing but an hour or so of your time, she said.

“If you want to feel like you’re helping someone else, it’s the easiest way to help,” Chapman said. “You get a cookie and a juice afterward, and sometimes a T-shirt.”

If you’d like more info on upcoming drives in West Alabama, you can visit redcrossblood.org.