FARMINGTON, Conn. — The Red Cross is declaring an extreme blood shortage crisis with the lowest number of donations in the last 20 years, even in the middle of National Blood Donor Month.
"It’s always important but right now more than ever it’s important to get the blood supply beyond a safe, comfortable level," said Elizabeth Emory, a blood recipient.
Emory spoke out at the Red Cross in Farmington alongside state officials, sharing her story on how blood donations saved her and her unborn daughter's life.
"I became a blood recipient when I was going through chemotherapy in 2021 while I was pregnant for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma," said Emory.
With the lowest amount of blood donations in 20 years, the lack of supply can prevent hospitals from giving patients life-saving care.
"I put myself in a time back when I was undergoing treatment and I just imagine how scary that would be as a patient, you know maybe I couldn’t get the life-saving blood that I needed," said Emory.
Every blood donation can save up to three lives. The Red Cross said 60% of people are eligible to give blood, but only 3% do.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz is confident the local numbers will swing upward with people deciding to donate to help mitigate the crisis.
"The people of Connecticut will step up when there is a need, people in our state always, always step up," said Bysiewicz.
While blood is at the forefront right now, Platelet donations are always needed to save even more lives.
"It's fun to do and it helps somebody else," said John Kozyra of West Hartford. "I wish more people would do it. There’s always someone out there that needs it, so if you can do your part, do your part."
Anyone who can donate blood is asked to make an appointment here.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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