Red Cross Calls for Blood Donations Amid ‘Severe’ Shortage, ‘Unprecedented’ Cancellations

(UNDATED) – An “unprecedented number” of nationwide blood drive cancellations have led to a shortage of blood donations across Indiana and the rest of the country as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the American Red Cross says.

Redcross.org describes the shortage as “severe” and is urging healthy Hoosiers to donate as quickly as possible.

The website’s homepage offers the ability to sign-up to donate. Clicking on the link will allow users to see locations where they can donate blood, sorted by date or distance.

Potential donors can also use an interactive map to pinpoint blood drive locations. The Red Cross describes donating blood as “a safe process” and provides an FAQ to help donors understand virtually every facet of the process. Certain donor restrictions may be viewed on the website’s main page as well.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb recently called on Hoosiers to do their part to help fill a critical need as the state continues to adapt to the evolving public health situation created by COVID-19, Inside Indiana Business reported this month. The Indiana State Department of Health offers information on how to donate blood here: https://www.in.gov/isdh/20556.htm.Users may also contact the American Red Cross by phone at 1-800 Red Cross.

The Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, which regularly hosts blood drives on the Indiana Government Center campus in downtown Indianapolis, may be reached at 1-800-632-4722.