WEEKLY UPDATE: 01/22/26
On Tuesday, January 20, the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) joined the American Red Cross of Connecticut and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to raise awareness of the severe statewide blood shortage.
The American Red Cross declared a severe blood shortage this week after the national blood supply fell about 35% over the past month. Officials said high flu activity and winter weather may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to replenish vital blood inventories. The shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative, and B negative. Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, birthing persons who experience complications, and individuals with sickle cell disease, cancer, or chronic conditions — face elevated risk.
Paul Jones, director of quality and patient safety, CHA, stressed that a reliable blood supply is as essential to hospitals as electricity and clean water. When the blood supply becomes unstable, hospitals take thoughtful steps to manage limited resources while continuing to provide safe, high-quality care.
“Blood products exist solely because of the generosity of a community member. A neighbor taking time out of their day to offer this lifesaving gift is one of the most powerful examples of people caring for people,” Jones said. “Surgeons schedule complex operations weeks in advance knowing when that surgery happens, they will have the blood available to take care of that patient. Trauma teams wait day after day, hour after hour, knowing that the next patient coming through their front door may need an immediate transfusion.”
“Our healthcare workers are deeply committed to quality and patient safety, yet they cannot do this work alone. They depend on the community’s compassion and generosity. Your one hour of donating blood can become someone else’s lifetime. Please give blood today and be the reason your neighbor comes home tomorrow,” Jones continued.
In her remarks, Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz recognized January as National Blood Donor Month and reinforced the importance of recruiting first-time blood donors. Patients who benefited from donations also stepped forward to share their stories.
“We’re asking folks to step out of their comfort zone a little bit, get out of their warm house, roll up their sleeves with us and help save lives,” said Richard Branigan, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region.
CHA encourages all eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to help strengthen the blood supply and support patients and families.
