Blood shortage forcing surgery delays at Nashville hospital

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A critical blood shortage has struck at the national level for only the second time in the American Red Cross’s history, according to a release Thursday.

Ascension Saint Thomas, a hospital located in Nashville, Tennessee, is urging the public to donate blood to help ensure lifesaving care remains available for patients in the region.

“Blood is one of the few medical resources that cannot be manufactured,” said Dr. Brian Wilcox, chief clinical officer for Ascension Saint Thomas. “Every unit transfused comes from someone who took the time to donate. Every day, our physicians and care teams depend on a stable blood supply to provide timely, lifesaving care. When that supply becomes limited, it can affect patients throughout our hospitals.”

The hospital says it relies on the American Red Cross as its primary supplier of blood products.

The current shortage is affecting hospitals nationwide, health officials say, as blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low.

According to the hospital, it has had to reschedule some elective surgeries and could be forced to cancel or delay additional cases because of shortages of blood products, particularly platelets.

Ascension Saint Thomas is asking for eligible donors of all blood types to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, with an especially urgent need for type O donors.

If appointments are not immediately open, honors are encouraged to schedule one in the coming days or weeks to help rebuild the blood supply. Walk-in donors are welcome, health officials say.

Blood drives will be hosted at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West and Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown hospitals from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10. To schedule a blood donation appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, donors who give blood during August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email through the American Red Cross, organizers say.