The following joint statement has been issued by the America's Blood Centers (Vitalant is an ABC member) regarding the status of the nation's blood supply.
The nation’s blood supply is currently strained and eligible individuals are asked to donate blood or platelets to ensure an adequate supply is available to meet patients’ needs. The most-needed blood products at this time are platelets, O-positive blood and O-negative blood.
Current reports from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism indicate that the blood supply in the United States is lower than it should be and trending downward at concerning levels. In fact, many blood collection organizations have faced, or are currently facing, a critical shortage this summer. This has been further impacted by recent disruptions in blood collections in the Southeast United States, including the landfall of Tropical Storm Debby into Florida’s west coast. The storm is expected to impact Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, and further exacerbate the current challenges with the blood supply.
The blood community strongly urges eligible individuals throughout the United States to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. Doing so will help build a stable and adequate supply of blood and platelets, which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met.
Blood has a limited shelf life and the blood supply must continually be replenished. If the blood supply is not replenished, the country faces the risk of not having blood available for all patients who rely on it for optimal health care.
“We are asking potential donors – both regular and first-time donors – to make a commitment to donate blood or platelets at this time,” said John Hagins, chair of the Task Force. “Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help to ensure that sufficient blood is available for all patients who need it.”
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To schedule an appointment to give, please visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).