This morning, Community Blood Center has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations. In the past several weeks, donations have been hundreds short of what is needed to meet hospital demand, placing a strain on the region’s blood supply during the critical summer months.
The weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are often referred to
as ‘trauma season’ due to a spike in traumatic accidents during the warmer
months. About 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions, so an increase in
traumas can strain an already limited blood
supply. Additionally, school breaks, travel, and busy summer schedules make
blood donation less of a priority and often lead to seasonal shortages.
At this link, you will
find the press release with additional
details regarding the blood emergency.Bates County Memorial Hospital is asking for your support spreading the word to
your organization. In the coming days you will hear more from your local
Account Manager on ways your individual organization can help, and in the
meantime, here are a few immediate actions you can take to support our
community:
- Schedule a
blood drive if you don’t have one booked.
§ The need is critical, so drives in
July or August are key, but blood drives in the fall and winter months are
equally as important to prevent future blood emergencies.
§ Your Account Manager can provide you
with a list of available dates.
- Send word
about the blood emergency to your organization asking those eligible to
make an appointment at a donation location nearest
them.
- Ask your
organization’s leadership for support. We can provide a sample e-mail that
your leader might send asking those who are eligible to donate.
- Promote our
Blood Emergency on your organization’s social media platforms, website,
and intranet. The links to our Blood Emergency announcement can be found here:
Donors can visit savealifenow.org to
make an appointment at a donation location nearest them or by
calling 1-877-468-6844. If you’re able to host a
blood drive, please let your Account Manager know.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission to provide
lifesaving blood to patients in need.
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