The need in a snapshot

The COVID-19 virus has had a ripple effect that has impacted every facet of life since the World Health Organization first declared a global pandemic a few years ago.

Individuals are well aware of the effects the pandemic has had on their daily lives, but one lesser known yet significant impact of the virus could have a lasting effect.

Blood donations have dropped considerably since the onset of the pandemic.

Even a return to relative normalcy has not solved the emergency blood and platelets shortage.

At the end of September 2022, the American Red Cross acknowledged it was facing a significant blood and platelet shortage. According to the Red Cross, the spread of the Delta variant had, by the end of summer 2021, spurred fears and sparked the lowest levels of donor turnout all year.

Estimates from the Red Cross by the end of September 2022 suggested the group needed to collect 10,000 additional blood products per week in order to meet the growing demand for blood and platelets.

Donors are predominantly older, which can become problematic.

“The thing about that is a lot of our older donors are getting to the age where they are taking medications and not able to donate,” she said. “That’s why we’re trying to reach the younger generation.”

Late last year they gave away three gaming consoles to three donors whose names were drawn from all donors on particular days.

But partnerships with schools are how they reach the masses.

“We use those kids because it’s harder to tell them no,” Ybarra joked.

Anyone 16 and older can donate. However, 16-year-old children are required to bring a signed letter from a parent or guardian.

A person can donate blood once every 56 days.

MORE WAYS THAN ONE

LifeShare provides a career path, as they train phlebotomists to work for them, whether they have experience or not.

“It’s a completely different way that we take blood than they do in a lab,” Smith said.

And it’s a career that, in Buss’ case, means a lot.

He shared a bond with a phlebotomist.

“I always wanted her to take my blood because she did such a good job and was such a kind person,” he said.

Unfortunately, he said, she contracted COVID and passed away.

“She was such a kind lady,” he said. “I always think of her when I give blood.”

— Written by Monique Batson