162: A Bank for Blood? with Claudine Van Gonka on Change It Up Radio with Paula Shaw

Change It Up Radio

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, I am joined by Claudine Van Gonka to talk about the nationwide blood crisis in the U.S. and the importance of donating blood.

We all know how much the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world as a whole, but there are so many individual consequences that have stemmed from these difficult times. One of these consequences is that the U.S. is currently facing its worst blood shortage in over a decade due to the pandemic fueling a decline in blood drives and overall blood donations across the nation.

With this national blood crisis, the San Diego Blood Bank, and blood banks across the country, are experiencing a major decline in donor turnout. These collection challenges have disrupted blood supply, resulting in alarmingly low inventories of blood products for the community.

My guest, Claudine Van Gonka, the Director of Community Relations and Marketing for the San Diego Blood Bank, joins me today to discuss the current national blood shortage, how this crisis evolved, and what we can do about it. She explains the importance of keeping blood drives going, making appointments to donate, and doing so on a regular basis if and when eligible. Claudine also provides information about who is and isn’t eligible to donate blood, along with how the donation process works and what to expect.

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