Blood centers are still reporting significant declines in blood collections, leaving the blood supply in the US at critically low levels, according to a joint statement issued late last week by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks), the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers. COVID-19, coupled with wildfires in the Western states, recent hurricanes and other storms, have led to “unprecedented fluctuations” in both the supply and demand for blood. More than 80% of the blood collected by the American Red Cross comes from blood drives, which haven't returned to pre-pandemic levels, as schools opt for virtual learning and people continue to work from home.