Give Blood (2)
In Japan, most people are aware of their blood type, as it’s sometimes requested on school documents, for instance. Not only do I know my own blood type, I also know my dog’s.
Oh, so dogs have blood types like humans do? What about cats?
Yes, cats have three blood types and dogs have a dozen or so.
So why are we humans facing a blood shortage?
The situation here in the U.S. has become increasingly difficult in the last few decades. As you know, the pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities in supply chains. Blood drive campaigns have been scaled back or cancelled altogether due to restrictions on large or indoor gatherings.
And the blood business isn’t immune to the staffing shortages that have plagued businesses across the country due to the pandemic. There aren’t enough trained healthcare workers. It’s difficult to encourage people to donate blood when you don’t have enough people to process the blood and manage data.
That’s right. With fewer blood centers in operation and fa falling number of donors, the system isn’t as responsive as before. The whole blood donation landscape has changed drastically. Older adults, who previously accounted for a large percentage of donations, are aging, and younger donors aren’t replacing them fast enough. The shortage is due to pandemic challenges, demographic shifts and broader economic trends.
Besides calling for donors, the American Red Cross is urging people to volunteer and support blood collection efforts.
Give Blood (2)
In Japan, most people are aware of their blood type, as it’s sometimes requested on school documents, for instance. Not only do I know my own blood type, I also know my dog’s.
Oh, so dogs have blood types like humans do? What about cats?
Yes, cats have three blood types and dogs have a dozen or so.
So why are we humans facing a blood shortage?
The situation here in the U.S. has become increasingly difficult in the last few decades. As you know, the pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities in supply chains. Blood drive campaigns have been scaled back or cancelled altogether due to restrictions on large or indoor gatherings.
And the blood business isn’t immune to the staffing shortages that have plagued businesses across the country due to the pandemic. There aren’t enough trained healthcare workers. It’s difficult to encourage people to donate blood when you don’t have enough people to process the blood and manage data.
That’s right. With fewer blood centers in operation and fa falling number of donors, the system isn’t as responsive as before. The whole blood donation landscape has changed drastically. Older adults, who previously accounted for a large percentage of donations, are aging, and younger donors aren’t replacing them fast enough. The shortage is due to pandemic challenges, demographic shifts and broader economic trends.
Besides calling for donors, the American Red Cross is urging people to volunteer and support blood collection efforts.
