The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood crisis in the U.S. as supplies fall to its lowest levels since the pandemic. The impacts of the blood shortage are being felt in emergency rooms and trauma care as hospitals are being forced to manage dwindling reserves.

In the Loop hears from the head of the Illinois Red Cross and blood donation advocates about the impact of the blood crisis on hospitals, and what you can do to help.  

GUESTS: Kellie O’Connell, CEO of American Red Cross of Illinois

Dr. Ashlesha Patel, associate chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Cook County Health 

James Cappleman, former alderman of the 46th Ward, blood donation advocate

For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.