<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3mGhjn_1EEphE0U00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3mGhjn_1EEphE0U00" width="1024" height="683" ><figcaption>People are urged to donate blood as a nationwide crisis declared by the American Red Cross is causing some Tennessee hospitals to rearrange patient schedules. METRO</figcaption></figure>For the second time ever, the American Red Cross has declared a nationwide blood supply crisis. As a result, some hospitals are rearranging patient schedules to reserve blood supplies for emergencies and critical care.This includes Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals in Middle Tennessee.“Like many hospitals across the country, Ascension Saint Thomas has had to reschedule some elective surgeries and could be forced to cancel or delay additional cases because of shortages of blood products, particularly platelets,” the hospital announced in a press release that also urged Tennesseans to donate blood.The American Red Cross declared the crisis July 13. While this led to an increase in donations, the need is still urgent.“Unfortunately, there remains a critical need for blood donors to come to give in the coming days and weeks,” Red Cross Regional Communications Director Jerrica Williams said. “We are still in a crisis as of today.” The Red Cross points to record high temperatures, low air quality levels and illnesses such as the cyclospora outbreak for decreased donation numbers this summer. Despite preventative measures put in place after the first declared blood supply crisis in January 2022, supply is not keeping up with demand.Blood Assurance, founded and headquartered in Chattanooga, collects and distributes blood in several southern states. The organization’s local recipients include Vanderbilt Health and TriStar Health. It also serves some of Saint Thomas Ascension’s facilities.“We have operated with less than a two-day supply of several blood types for much of the summer,” Blood Assurance representative Brook Katz said in an email to Main Street Media of Tennessee. “Including several days when supplies dipped below a single day. Ideally, we would maintain at least a three-day supply.”Fear of needles or dizziness, busy schedules and lack of awareness about blood supply needs are a few roadblocks between potential donors and their first donations.“Donating blood is a simpler process than many people realize,” Williams said. “Learning more about the process, properly preparing for a donation and even bringing a friend can help overcome the fear.”While all blood types are needed, Williams emphasized a “serious need” for Type O blood donors, platelet donors and type AB plasma donors.“Hospital demand is outpacing the supply of these critical blood products,” Williams said.The American Red Cross urges potential donors to seek blood drives or make appointments at dedicated local donation centers. Additional information is available at redcross.org/donate.Those wanting to donate through Blood Assurance can find blood drives and donation center information at bloodassurance.org/where-can-i-donate-blood.Shauna Reynolds is a Report for America corps member, covering growth &amp; development for Main Street Media of Tennessee. Report for America places talented journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and regions. Support Shauna’s work by visiting the donation page on MainStreetMediaTN.com.</div></body>

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For the second time ever, the American Red Cross has declared a nationwide blood supply crisis. As a result, some hospitals are rearranging patient schedules to reserve blood supplies for emergencies and critical care. This includes Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals in Middle Tennessee. “Like many hospitals across the country, Ascension...

Blood shortage affects Midstate hospitals

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For the second time ever, the American Red Cross has declared a nationwide blood supply crisis. As a result, some hospitals are rearranging patient schedul

Blood shortage affects Midstate hospitals

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