WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Red Cross says it’s facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The organization says nearly 2,700 of its blood drives have been canceled across the country because of virus concerns, resulting in about 86,000 fewer donations

The Red Cross is now pleading for healthy individuals to donate to patients counting on lifesaving blood.

The Red Cross expects the number of cancellations to continue to increase, which is causing heightened concern for blood collection organizations and hospitals across the country. This blood shortage could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer.

Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.

“As a nation, this is a time where we must take care of one another including those most vulnerable among us in hospitals,” said Gail McGovern, president and chief executive officer, American Red Cross. “One of the most important things people can do right now during this public health emergency is to give blood. If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible.”

New measures implemented to keep donors safe amid outbreak

McGovern says she understands people may be hesitant to come out for a blood drive during the outbreak, but she wants to reassure the public that blood donation is a safe process and that additional precautions have been put in place to protect the safety of donors and staff.

The Red Cross has implemented these new measures:

· Checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy