Red Cross Facing Severe Blood Shortage, Reassures Safety For Donors

The American Red Cross says it's facing a severe blood shortage due to coronavirus concerns.

The Red Cross says nearly 2,700 blood drives have been canceled across the country, with that number expected to increase.

According to a news release, more than 80 percent of the blood the Red Cross collects comes from drives like these.

The organization is asking that healthy people donate now to help alleviate the shortage.

Gail McGovern is the president and CEO of the American Red Cross. She wants to reassure donors that blood donation is a safe process, and that extra precautions have been put in place.

Both donors and staff are screened and sanitized, and beds are being spaced to follow social distancing practices. Safety protocols also include enhanced disinfection of surfaces and equipment, and routine wiping down of common areas.

The organization says there is no data or evidence that COVID-19, or any respiratory virus, can be transmitted by blood transfusion.

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