The American Red Cross announced a national blood shortage Monday.
Generally, people need a blood transfusion due to loss of blood, serious injuries and illnesses such as sickle cell anemia.
Matthew Kline, regional communication manager of Indiana said, “Every two seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion, and the Red Cross is responsible for about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply.”
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According to the Red Cross, the supply has been dropping since August because of natural disasters, people traveling and students going back to school.
These events have caused a donation shortage of 30,000 units.
According to the Community Blood Center, each year 4.5 million Americans need a blood transfusion.
The Red Cross states that 6.8 million people donate blood each year.
Kline also said, “About 62 percent of the eligible population that is eligible to donate only 3 percent of that group actually do donate.”
Donation eligibility is listed on the American Red Cross website.
