The American Red Cross has announced a national blood crisis, and local officials in Salem are working to attract more donors to help fill the gaps in supply. The crisis has been exacerbated by a decline in donations over the summer, with heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illnesses contributing to the low turnout.

Local Impact

According to Stephen Grady, who oversees Red Cross blood drives in Marion County, the shortage is having a significant impact on local hospitals. "We have plenty of open appointments, and if those appointments were filled, we'd be in good shape," he said. The local Red Cross hosts up to 30 blood drives a month in Marion County, and Grady is urging people to come forward and donate.

Donations begin with a questionnaire covering personal health history and any recent travel. Afterward, donors meet privately with staff who may ask follow-up questions and conduct a "mini-physical." If everything looks good, people can then go to the donation bed. Grady emphasized that all donors are important, regardless of their blood type. "If I'm O-negative, my red cells can go to everybody, but my plasma can only go to other O-negatives," he explained.

The next drive is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, at Salem Hospital, and organizers hope to fill 58 appointment slots. Appointments to give blood at a mobile event or the local Red Cross building can be made online, and drop-ins are often accepted.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.