Starting in early 2022, the American Red Cross began facing a national blood shortage crisis- the worst in over a decade. Due to this blood shortage, doctors and medical providers have been forced to make difficult decisions impacting patients requiring blood transfusions. The Red Cross, which supplies 40% of blood in the U.S., experienced a 10% decline in blood donations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Cross has requested a call-to-action for all potential donors, volunteers, and blood driver organizers to help mitigate this blood crisis.
In addition to organizing blood donation drives each year across North America and around the world, BAPS Charities heeded this call to action and organized a special blood drive with the theme, ‘In the joy of others, lies our own’ in Seattle, WA on June 23, 2022. In total, 15 pints of blood were collected, which has the potential to save up to 45 lives.
BAPS Charities’ commitment to supporting the health and wellness of the broader community extends beyond the blood donation drive. In addition, BAPS Charities conducts comprehensive annual health fairs at over 55 centers across North America as well as vaccination drives, children’s health and safety days, and health lectures to inform and support the health and well-being of communities across the country.
