Opinion: The polar vortex exposed a major flaw in our volunteer blood supply system
Growing platelets from stem cells and finding better ways to store them could help complement blood drives for this essential and perishable blood component.
When the polar vortex froze out residents in much the United States in January, it also sent chills through the U.S. blood system, especially for people who needed platelets.
“If you are safely able to leave your house, please consider giving blood for hospital patients,” tweeted the Red Cross of Massachusetts. “Polar vortex blamed for critically low blood supply,” reported Minnesota’s Northwest Community Television.
The record cold exposed a key problem underlying our nation’s blood donation system. It relies exclusively on volunteer donors to provide blood for transfusion. But bad weather routinely keeps potential donors away
