High heat and ongoing summer travel plans have led to the American Red Cross facing a shortage of an already diminished blood supply. Blood drives will be hosted across Idaho throughout the month of August to ensure that donors have an opportunity to give blood and help prevent the shortage from seriously impacting the ability of hospitals and medical centers to administer life-saving procedures. The Treasure Valley is not alone in feeling the impacts of high heat this summer.
High summer temperatures have impacted nearly “100 blood drives in July” nationwide, resulting in a “shortfall” of more than 19,000 blood donations, the American Red Cross said in a press release. The diminished number of blood drives has been compounded by people being less available in the summertime due to travel plans. Though it’s not unusual for the Red Cross to see a blood shortage during the summer months, the record temperatures across the country have led to fewer donors than originally anticipated, Matt Ochsner, regional communications director for the American Red Cross, said.
Blood donations also have shelf-life considerations, which have led to hospitals receiving blood products from the Red Cross faster than they are being donated, the release said. The inventory of type O blood, which can be received by all blood types, is of particular concern. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment,” Eric Gehrie, exec.