Blockchain Registration Transaction Record

Blood Donor Shortage Worsens as Artificial Substitutes Fall Short

Red Cross faces critical blood shortage as donor numbers decline. Artificial substitutes like ErythroMer are limited, highlighting the ongoing need for human donors. Learn how to help.

This news matters because blood shortages directly endanger lives in emergencies, surgeries, and medical treatments, with O-negative blood being critical for universal compatibility. The decline in donations, worsened by pandemic disruptions and generational shifts, threatens healthcare systems' ability to respond to crises. While artificial blood research offers hope for field use, it cannot replicate human blood's full capabilities, underscoring the urgent need for more donors. If shortages persist, patients face delayed care, increased risks, and potential fatalities, making public awareness and participation in blood donation essential for community health resilience.