There is an immediate and urgent need for blood donations. All blood types are needed by area hospitals as they experience heavy demand.
Area hospitals are reporting an increased need for blood. All the while, fewer donors are turning out to donate because of holiday travel and the start of summer break, according to The Blood Connection (TBC).
Donors can give at any one of TBC’s donation centers or visit the website to find a blood drive. To make an appointment, call 1-800-392-6551 or visit here.
“The week that follows a holiday is particularly difficult as we work to keep blood inventories stable.” said TBC President and CEO Delisa English. “We’re encouraging all donors who are healthy and well to look for one of our red buses and check our website for new blood drives. There are patients in our communities who are depending on us.”
The summer season always affects the blood supply as donors go on vacation and school breaks begin. In fact, from Memorial Day Weekend through to the end of August when students return to school, it can be a challenge to keep blood supplies stable.
Blood donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent. To ensure that hospital needs for blood are uninterrupted, TBC is requesting whole blood and platelet donations. All blood types are needed.