PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – American Red Cross blood takers in the Philadelphia are walking the picket lines. Does that mean local hospitals will face a shortage of blood during one of the busiest times of year?

American Red Cross Spokesperson Anthony Tornetta says for now, the supervisors and managers of those who normally take the blood donations are the individuals currently performing that task. The Red Cross also has other resources.

“We have 36 blood regions across the country. We have the ability to import blood from any one of those other blood regions to make sure that hospitals and patients across our region get the blood and blood products they need when and where they need it,” Tornetta said.

Tornetta says it is not unusual for the Philadelphia region to import blood from other regions just based on the sheer volume needed for area hospitals. How is the blood transported?

“We have couriers. We have Fed Ex. We have the ability to ship it overnight,” Tornetta explained.

Although the schedule has been shortened they still welcome all the blood donations they can get.
The public is encouraged to call 1-800-RED-CROSS

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio