It Is Summer - Therefore More Blood Donations Needed - Can YOU Donate?

Article Source: Blood Centers of the Pacific

Blood Supplies Reach Dangerously Low Levels Coast-to-Coast

San Francisco, CA – Blood supplies across the country remain at dangerously low levels following a severe decline in blood donations leading up to and following the July 4th holiday. In an effort to rebuild both local and national supplies and be prepared for unexpected events, Blood Centers of the Pacific, a Blood Systems blood center, is calling on the community to come forward once again by giving blood this week and throughout the remainder of the summer.

The San Francisco Bay Area region has impressively stepped up in the past in response to similar calls to grow the blood inventory, by donating blood in truly significant amounts when compared to the rest of the U.S.
Blood Centers of the Pacific strives to keep a four-day supply of every blood type on the shelf at all times to be able to meet the needs of patients at over 50 hospitals in the area. Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important this time of year due to increased accidents and trauma cases. The current O-negative blood supply sits at an approximate two-day supply, which is half of the ideal quantity needed to support patient needs. Additionally, platelet donations, which have a shelf-life of only five days, are in high demand after a slow holiday week. However, donors of all types are needed.

As part of Blood Systems Blood Services division, Blood Centers of the Pacific is included in a multi-state system of blood centers. This network works in tandem, moving lifesaving donations throughout the system to help ensure blood is available when and where it’s needed most. In July alone, the network is facing a shortfall of 5,700 donations, with deficits continuing through August. The significant nationwide decline in donations has led to this coordinated call on the public to donate blood.

“Patients, their families and the more than 1,000 hospitals across our nation that Blood Systems serves depend on us to deliver on our promise to provide a safe and ample blood supply,” said Rob Van Tuyle, president of Blood Systems Blood Services Division. “Don’t take a vacation from blood donation. In about an hour, one donor can save up to three lives by giving blood.”

Schedule a donation today and save lives tomorrow

Blood Centers of the Pacific urges both existing and first-time donors of all blood types to visit bloodheroes.com or call 1-800-888-GIVE to schedule an appointment at one of its six donor centers or community blood drives throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Walk-ins are welcome at any Blood Centers of the Pacific location.

About Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood Centers of the Pacific is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides blood components to hospitals, physicians and patients throughout Northern California. Blood Centers of the Pacific also houses the Blood Systems Research Institute which conducts medical research to improve blood safety and patient care. Blood Centers of the Pacific helps 50,000 patients every year with blood donated by community volunteers.
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Robert Riechel
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