Ascension Saint Thomas Encourages Blood Donation as National Blood Shortage Reaches Crisis Levels

As the American Red Cross reports only the second national blood crisis in its history, Ascension Saint Thomas is urging Middle Tennesseans to donate blood now to help ensure lifesaving care remains available for patients across the region.

Ascension Saint Thomas relies on the American Red Cross as its primary supplier of blood products. The current shortage is affecting hospitals nationwide as blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low while demand for lifesaving transfusions remains steady. Like many hospitals across the country, Ascension Saint Thomas has had to reschedule some elective surgeries and could be forced to cancel or delay additional cases because of shortages of blood products, particularly platelets.

Ascension Saint Thomas encourages eligible donors of all blood types to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, with an especially urgent need for type O donors. If appointments are not immediately available, donors are encouraged to schedule one in the coming days or weeks to help rebuild the blood supply.

Clinicians at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West and Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown hospitals will host blood drives from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 10. Walk-in donors are welcome, or appointments can be made using the links above.

Blood products are used every day in hospitals to treat trauma patients, support emergency surgeries, care for mothers experiencing childbirth complications, and provide lifesaving treatment for patients with cancer, blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, and other serious medical conditions. Blood also plays a critical role during organ transplants, heart procedures and other complex surgeries.

"Blood is one of the few medical resources that cannot be manufactured," said Dr. Brian Wilcox, Chief Clinical Officer for Ascension Saint Thomas. "Every unit transfused comes from someone who took the time to donate. Every day, our physicians and care teams depend on a stable blood supply to provide timely, lifesaving care. When that supply becomes limited, it can affect patients throughout our hospitals."

The American Red Cross announced a national blood and platelet shortage July 13 after the nation's blood supply declined by 25% in June. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to fewer donations this summer, even as hospitals continue to require blood products every day.

The shortage is especially critical for type O blood. Type O positive blood has fallen below a one-day supply, prompting the Red Cross to limit distribution of certain blood products to hospitals. Type O blood is often the first choice during emergencies because it can be transfused before a patient's blood type is confirmed.

Platelets also remain in critically short supply. Because they have a shelf life of only five days, platelet inventories are especially vulnerable to declines in donations. Nearly half of all platelet transfusions support patients receiving cancer treatment, making platelet donations essential to ensuring those therapies continue without delay.

"Blood is needed every two seconds somewhere in the United States," Wilcox said. "Whether someone is recovering from a serious injury, undergoing surgery, or receiving cancer treatment, blood donors make those treatments possible. Donating blood is one of the most meaningful ways people can support the health of their community."

The American Red Cross estimates that if just three additional people donated at every blood drive this summer, it could help stabilize the nation's blood supply and end the current crisis.

To schedule a blood donation appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS ().

As a thank-you, donors who give blood during August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email through the American Red Cross.