Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Red Cross Begs For Donations As 'Severe' Blood Shortage Hits Hospitals
The American Red Cross asked the public this week to help replenish the United States' depleted blood inventory amid a "severe" national shortage. The non-profit said the shortage is likely driven by a recent surge in trauma cases and emergency room visits, as well as advanced disease progression from patients deferring care throughout the coronavirus pandemic. (Knutson, 6/18)
As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to a close, more Americans are seeking medical care -- only to find roadblocks to long-awaited elective surgeries or unexpected traumatic injuries: a critical national shortage of blood. In June, the blood supply dropped to "red" level, indicating dangerously low supply at blood centers nation-wide, according to the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism. (Rosen, 6/20)
