January 12, 2022 3:25 a.m. 

Staff at the American Red Cross say a national blood crisis could be dangerous for patients.

A release said the organization is facing a dangerously low blood supply with inventory truly at crisis levels. The release said right now, doctors are being forced to decide which patients receive transfusions and who must wait.

In recent weeks, the Red Cross has had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.

Over the next month, about 60 percent of donation appointments remain unfilled in the Cascade Red Cross Region. Those who give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to the upcoming Super Bowl, in Los Angeles. People who come to donate will be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a gift card.

To make an appointment to donate blood, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.