The nation’s blood supplies are at historically low levels and it could have real world impacts when patients need blood to be treated for an illness, condition or injury.

The American Red Cross has called the current supply of blood a “national crisis” and dangerously low.

The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

They say that right now doctors are being forced to decide which patients receive blood transfusions and who must wait.

On Tuesday’s Smart Talk, we’re joined by Laura Burke, Executive Director, American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Chapter to explain.

To donate blood:

American Red Cross

Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank