Richmond Red Cross faces blood shortage due to winter weather and water crisis
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) - The Richmond Division of the American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage due to the combined impact of the recent winter storm and the ongoing water crisis affecting city residents. A dozen blood drives have been canceled across the city since Monday, Jan. 6, and the Richmond water crisis has further impacted donor turnout. Jonathan McNamara, communications director with the Richmond Division of the Red Cross, said January is already a challenging time for the non-profit to maintain sufficient blood bank supplies, and these added challenges have exacerbated the situation. Jaasonte Lloyd pictured donating platelets at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center Empty chairs at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center Joyce Navary, left, and Jaasonte Lloyd, right, donating platelets at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center Woman donating blood at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center "Over 500 units were lost here in the city of Richmond alone as a result of blood drive cancellations, said McNamara. "We're hearing from our hospital partners that this is critically important with all of the different things that they're dealing with right now." The impact extends beyond Richmond, with over 1300 units of blood uncollected in surrounding states. Despite the difficulties, some residents are stepping up to donate. Jaasonte Lloyd, a resident of Eastern Henrico who regularly donates blood, understands the demand. ALL COVERAGE: Richmond Area Water Crisis "Even though my county doesn't have water and a lot of my neighbors don't have water, I still decided to come out today to donate," said Lloyd. "I'm one of those people that believe that if my body can create more blood, then there is no reason I shouldn't be able to give a little." A second wave of winter weather is expected to arrive this weekend, potentially leading to further blood drive cancellations. McNamara emphasized the critical need for donations. "[The process] takes about an hour of your time and you can make a real impact on the lives of people right here in Richmond and across the country," said McNamara. If you have the ability to donate, you can schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) - The Richmond Division of the American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage due to the combined impact of the recent winter storm and the ongoing water crisis affecting city residents.
A dozen blood drives have been canceled across the city since Monday, Jan. 6, and the Richmond water crisis has further impacted donor turnout.
Jonathan McNamara, communications director with the Richmond Division of the Red Cross, said January is already a challenging time for the non-profit to maintain sufficient blood bank supplies, and these added challenges have exacerbated the situation.
Jaasonte Lloyd pictured donating platelets at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center
Empty chairs at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center
Joyce Navary, left, and Jaasonte Lloyd, right, donating platelets at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center
Woman donating blood at the Virginia Regional Office and Blood Donation Center
"Over 500 units were lost here in the city of Richmond alone as a result of blood drive cancellations, said McNamara. "We're hearing from our hospital partners that this is critically important with all of the different things that they're dealing with right now."
The impact extends beyond Richmond, with over 1300 units of blood uncollected in surrounding states. Despite the difficulties, some residents are stepping up to donate.
Jaasonte Lloyd, a resident of Eastern Henrico who regularly donates blood, understands the demand.
ALL COVERAGE: Richmond Area Water Crisis
"Even though my county doesn't have water and a lot of my neighbors don't have water, I still decided to come out today to donate," said Lloyd. "I'm one of those people that believe that if my body can create more blood, then there is no reason I shouldn't be able to give a little."
A second wave of winter weather is expected to arrive this weekend, potentially leading to further blood drive cancellations. McNamara emphasized the critical need for donations.
"[The process] takes about an hour of your time and you can make a real impact on the lives of people right here in Richmond and across the country," said McNamara.
If you have the ability to donate, you can schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org.
