The current blood shortage crisis is causing certain elective surgeries to be delayed at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, Tenn., affecting patient care, according to a Becker’s Hospital Review article by Ella Jeffries. The hospital warns that they may have to start canceling surgeries if the situation doesn’t get better.

While hospitals across the country are also impacted by the shortage, Ascension Saint Thomas particularly needs platelets. Jeffries cited a July American Red Cross (ARC) news release, stating that this is ARC’s second national blood crisis ever. Jeffries also pointed to hospitals in other states who are facing difficult choices on who gets blood and who doesn’t, prioritizing life or death situations.