CORTLAND, N.Y. — As the country faces its worst blood shortage in more than a decade, the American Red Cross is asking for help.
The Guthrie Cortland Medical Center joined the Red Cross on Tuesday in pushing for blood donations.
Donations have dropped 10% since the start of the pandemic because of fewer school blood drives, staffing limitations and a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Due to the shortage, doctors say they may have to make difficult decisions on which patients can receive blood — that’s where donating comes in.
“It helps the community, it can help somebody you know,” said Dr. Cristina Aguilar. “We don’t wake up and expect to be the next trauma patient, but we could potentially be, you know? So we want to have that blood supply ready for anyone who needs it.”
If you are interested in donating, click here to find a location near you.
