According to the National Blood Resource Center, 12.6 million units of blood were donated in 1999. That s a 5.5 percent decrease from donations in 1994. While donations are decreasing, the need for blood is rising. Patients who rely on transfusions are living longer. Eventually, blood donation experts worry, our country will face a chronic blood shortage.
Researchers say several factors contribute to the blood supply crisis.
Only about five percent of eligible adults donate blood. Many regular blood donors are older folks who now need blood. Middle-aged people often say they are too busy to donate or believe donation to be too inconvenient. Younger people often don t understand the importance of giving blood. Some experts say safety policies should be reconsidered, since many people who are now prohibited from giving blood could safely donate.