Leaders from New England’s six hospital associations today published this joint video message to deliver the urgent message that providers are still facing severe blood shortages. 

The video—created by the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, Maine Hospital Association, Connecticut Hospital Association, Hospital Association of Rhode Island, New Hampshire Hospital Association, and Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems—was published on behalf of the hundreds of hospitals and healthcare organizations across New England, which are facing critical blood shortages. In the video, these CEOs explain the importance of blood supply for hospitals and ask their community members to make donating a part of their summer plans. With the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, blood donation has never been more critical.

“The blood shortage that we are currently facing is unlike any that we have seen in years,” says Steve Walsh, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. “Transfusions are often needed to treat the most vulnerable and at-risk patients who are entering hospitals with life-threatening injuries. Blood donations are essential to their recovery. After over a year of fighting COVID-19, donating blood is one of the most meaningful ways to give back to our healthcare organizations and help them continue to provide lifesaving care.”

Healthcare organizations are encouraging people to make an appointment to donate blood through the Red Cross or their local hospital. You can visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment online. 

Video Participants:
Steve Walsh – President & CEO, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association
Steve Ahnen– President, New Hampshire Hospital Association
Jennifer Jackson – President & CEO, Connecticut Hospital Association
Steven Michaud – President, Maine Hospital Association
Teresa Paiva Weed – President, Hospital Association of Rhode Island
Jeff Tieman – President & CEO, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems