The nation is facing a blood donor shortage, and the Army is feeling the stress of this shortage.
The Robertson Blood Center, part of the Armed Services Blood Program and located on Fort Hood, is experiencing difficulty in meeting the needs of combatant commanders and medical treatment facilities for blood donations.
Blood donor centers around the globe have been compounded due to decreased donation over the holiday season, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellations of blood drives and decreased individual donor turnout has greatly affected the amount of blood product available for those in need.
âAs the U.S. militaryâs official blood program, the Armed Services Blood Program always has a mission to stand ready for those on the front line and the home front,â Col. Audra Taylor, ASBP Division chief, said. âWe know that blood donations are mission critical to readiness.â