Every two seconds, a blood transfusion is urgently needed, according to the Red Cross. Over the past 20 years, blood donations have decreased by about 40%, causing the Red Cross to declare a national blood emergency in August. Jennifer Costa, a representative from the Red Cross, suggested the need stems from a lack of high school and college-aged donors.
“We need [donors] exposed in high school and college years, and so by missing that very critical time frame we fear that we missed a whole generation,” said Costa.
She pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the usual large-scale spread of blood drives to high schools and universities. Costa continued by saying that one donation greatly increases the chance of future donations, so it can not be over-emphasized how important it is to involve young adults in the process.
Besides a lack of 16 to 24 year old donors, the national blood shortage has major implications in conversations regarding climate change.
“The Red Cross is responding to twice as many disasters as it did a decade ago. The need to help on many fronts of the Red Cross is greater than ever,” said Hosta.
These disasters are a major driving force in the demand for blood to treat those injured in climate disasters. The Red Cross is often the first line of help in these situations, and with the assistance of our campus their efforts can be made stronger. Students at the University of Maine likely will not experience intense climate disasters this fall, but Costa suggests that UMaine students can be of greater help to those in the south as we move through hurricane season.
The message from the Red Cross is clear: Don’t wait, as most fail to recognize the importance of blood donations until it’s too late. Ease of access to medical treatment can be taken for granted, but data from the Red Cross shows that an increasing number of patients are being turned away or having their procedures postponed due to the shortage of blood transfusions.
In response to the shortage, Red Cross community blood drives are returning to campus, allowing students to make a meaningful difference. The Bodwell Center at UMaine will be hosting a blood drive on September 17 and 18. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend. As of September 11, only 83 of the 177 appointment spots available have been filled, a number reflective of the national donation rate below 50%. With less than a week until the drive, Program Coordinator Lisa Morin from the Bodwell Center wants students to know that not only is donating quick and easy, but it fills 1 hour of the volunteering time mandatory for student athletes. If it’s your first time donating, download the Red Cross Rapid Pass app. Using the app not only makes donating easier, but allows you to track your blood from the moment it’s drawn to when it helps save a life. The Bodwell Center’s upcoming blood drive will provide UMaine students with a quick and simple way to make a tangible impact in people’s lives.
Beyond all the reasons one may have not to donate, such as a fear of needles or tight schedules, Morin encouraged students and faculty to give it a chance. The actual process of drawing blood only takes 8-12 minutes, and it could save someone’s life. You can donate every 56 days, and the Bodwell Center plans future drives accordingly. If you donate now, you can do so again at their drive in December. It may seem overstated, but donations have a major impact on our community. The nation is in need, and the Red Cross believes UMaine students can help.