National blood emergency highlights need for donations in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. — A nationwide blood shortage is raising concerns in Central Oregon, where hospitals depend on a steady supply of donated blood to treat patients every day.

When someone needs blood after a serious crash, during surgery or while undergoing cancer treatment, hospitals depend on donations that were made days or even weeks earlier. Health officials say maintaining a steady blood supply depends on people donating before an emergency happens.

The American Red Cross recently declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the busy summer trauma season, when hospitals often see an increase in serious injuries and other medical emergencies.

While the shortage is being felt nationwide, hospitals in Central Oregon work with regional blood suppliers to ensure patients have access to the blood products they need for traumatic injuries, surgeries, cancer treatment and other medical emergencies.

“We support 63 hospitals with blood products here in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jen Shaw, donor recruitment supervisor for the American Red Cross. “Summer is traditionally a slower time for donations as schools are out, people are traveling and regular routines change.”

Those seasonal declines can leave hospitals with fewer available donations even as the need for blood remains constant.

Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets last only five days, making regular donations critical to maintaining an adequate supply.

St. Charles Health System officials said they continue working closely with regional blood suppliers to help ensure patients receive the blood they need while encouraging eligible community members to donate.

“The blood is there because somebody decided to donate before it was needed,” Shaw said.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross website or the Red Cross Blood Donor app.