Blood Assurance Urgently Appeals for Donations Amidst Critical Blood Shortage

For today’s “In The Know with Gino”…

In the wake of a substantial decline in blood donations exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and a surge in emergency blood transfusions, Blood Assurance has issued a plea to over 70 hospitals in the region to defer elective surgeries until at least Wednesday, January 24th. The move aims to grant Blood Assurance the necessary time to replenish its dwindling blood inventory.

As of Thursday afternoon, the blood center reported having less than a half-day supply of most blood types, including critical types like O-negative and O-positive, which are extensively utilized in transfusions. The urgent situation stems from a combination of decreased donations due to weather-related factors and an increased demand for blood resulting from numerous massive blood transfusions within the past 24 hours.

Blood Assurance is now reaching out to the community, urging individuals to step forward and donate blood or platelets at the earliest opportunity, emphasizing the crucial role of public participation in maintaining a stable blood supply. The organization is requesting potential donors to stay informed about closures and delays by monitoring updates on their official website bloodassurance.org and social media channels.

To address the critical shortage, many donation centers, typically closed on weekends, have decided to open this Saturday and Sunday to collect additional units. The extended hours aim to accommodate donors who may face scheduling constraints during the week.

As the situation remains critical, Blood Assurance continues to encourage community members to prioritize blood donation, emphasizing its significance in saving lives and sustaining essential medical treatments.

SOURCE: Blood Assurance