Nonprofit regional blood center Blood Assurance is experiencing the lowest blood supply in the last two years.
Due to the extreme blood shortage, the organization is strongly encouraging the community to consider making a blood donation at their nearest donor center or mobile blood drive as soon as possible. Blood Assurance is on a one-day supply of most blood types, rather than the typical five-day supply, due to winter weather and increased demand from area hospitals.
“There is a nationwide blood shortage right now. We’re receiving calls from other blood centers and their hospitals across the country who cannot meet the demand for their area. Unfortunately, our supplies are so low that we can’t share at this time,” said Mona Dilbeck, lab technical director for Blood Assurance.
There will be a blood drive at Motlow on Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and at River Park Hospital on Monday, Feb. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Donating blood takes roughly 30 minutes, and just one blood donation can help save three lives. While all blood types are encouraged to donate, the organization particularly needs donations from types O-, O+ and A- blood. Blood Assurance thanks all donors for giving back to those in need.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids -- avoiding caffeine -- and eat a meal rich in protein prior to donating. For questions about donating blood, please call (800)-962-0628. For more information on Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, visit www.bloodassurance.org.