The American Red Cross says it’s facing a national blood crisis and is urging more people to donate blood to alleviate the worst shortage its seen in more than a decade. The low supply is posing a risk to patients and forcing doctors to decide who gets blood transfusions now and who will have to wait until more supply becomes available, according to the organization. Because of the shortage, the Red Cross started limiting blood product distributions to hospitals. The group estimates that up to a quarter of blood needs at hospitals aren’t being met. The shortage comes after the number of people donating blood declined about 10 percent starting early last year, when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, including some 62 percent less at colleges and schools. During the pandemic, some blood drives have been canceled, and staff shortages have made things even more difficult. “Winter weather across the country and …