While Covid has been dominating the medical headlines over the last two years, another crisis has been taking place in the healthcare industry. There is an extreme shortage of blood donations across the country, prompting The Red Cross to call out for new donors.
What's the cause for this recent monumental shortage?
Why the Shortage Now?
Speaking of Covid, the pandemic has had a huge effect on blood drives. People have been donating blood in lower numbers because of social distancing, shutdowns, and health concerns than ever before.
Additionally, there has also been a decrease in the number of new hires in the phlebotomy sector. Staffing shortages, combined with fewer people donating, have caused a dire situation for our nation's blood supply.
Everybody who is able should consider donating. These donations don’t just help recipients in need, but they also help the donor.
How Donating Helps You
Did you know that donating blood can help you as well?
Consider the following benefits of donating:
Donating blood decreases the chance of having a heart attack.
Donating is like receiving a free check-up for your heart rate, blood pressure, and other vitals.
Donating helps retain your iron levels and increases the production of red blood cells.
You burn calories during a blood donation, which helps maintain a healthy liver.
Consider Donating
A large majority of individuals are eligible to donate blood, but a huge percentage of those individuals are hesitant. If you have fears about donating or being poked with a needle, drink more water to make the process easier.
Not only can you reap the benefits for your own health, but you could potentially be saving lives. If you’ve never considered donating or have considered in the past but never went through with it, now is the most critical time of need. Consider donating – you never know when you may need the same service to save your life.
Resources
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2022/blood-donors-needed-now-as-omicron-intensifies.html
