Area Blood Supply Dips to Dangerously Low Levels

Although January is marked as ‘National Blood Donor Month,’ this weekend’s snowfall, coupled with an already dwindling blood supply at area hospitals, have officials urging Hoosiers to go out and donate as soon as possible.

Severe weather and icy roads lead to more accidents and an increased need for blood. If a major accident or tragedy would occur somewhere in the area, officials are concerned there might not be an adequate supply of O-Negative blood to treat those most severely injured.

All blood types are needed, however, there’s always a special need for type O blood. In emergency situations, when a patient’s blood type isn’t known, doctors reach for type O blood to sustain life until the patient can be stabilized.

It’s the blood already on the shelf that helps in an emergency. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a safe and ready supply at all times. It takes about 24 to 36 hours to process, test and distribute each blood donation before it is delivered to hospitals.

It’s extremely important that people donate blood, especially during this time of year when blood donations are at their lowest, not only here, but across the entire country. The actual donation is safe, easy and takes less than 15 minutes.

View all center locations and blood drive dates by visiting www.redcross.org or call 800-733-2767 (RED-CROSS).

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