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updated: January 22, 2007 9:30 a.m.

 

Icy Weather Fuels Blood Shortages across the Nation
Blood centers urgently seeking donors to replenish supplies

WASHINGTON (January 21, 2007) Several winter storms that swept across the country have dealt a sharp blow to many regions’ supply of blood, forcing hospitals in some areas to postpone elective surgeries, according to America’s Blood Centers (ABC). More than half of ABC member blood centers currently have a two-day supply or less available.

(Hoxworth Blood Center is a member of the America's Blood Centers)

While winter typically proves a tough time for blood collection, the bitter cold and icy conditions have left some cities at a standstill. When the city shuts down, blood drives are canceled so blood centers must scramble to make up for the loss. Low inventories across the country also limit centers’ ability to import blood from other areas to supplement local supplies.

(Locally, Hoxworth's blood supply for greater Cincinnati's 27 hospitals and medical centers has been critically low for over a week now. As of Monday morning, Hoxworth Type O inventory was down almost 400 units.)

“Most centers keep a three-to-five day supply on the shelf, but the effects of the recent bad weather have dramatically reduced that stock,” said ABC President Dr. Merlyn Sayers. “Patients whose lives rely on blood transfusions cannot wait for better weather. Donors are needed daily – come rain or shine, ice or snow – to help ensure that hospital needs are met.”

Areas of the country that have been particularly affected include California, Missouri, and large portions of Texas.

After being hit by one of the worst winter storms in decades, ABC member Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) faced a critical shortage, which led to hospitals canceling elective surgeries. With help from local media and support from the community, the situation is normalizing.

"I'm impressed by the resolve of blood donors that are seeing us through this crisis,” said CBCO Executive Director Don Thomson. “Their willingness to think of others, even in the face of hardship for themselves, is a noble trait. Although we're getting by right now, it will take some time to get our blood reserves back to optimum three-day inventory levels. I hope and I know that our donors, as always, will be up to the task in continuing saving lives."

About ABC
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is North America’s largest network of community-based blood programs. Recognized by the US Congress for its critical work in patient care and disaster preparedness and response, the federation of 78 blood centers together operates more than 600 donor centers in 45 U.S. states and Canada, providing half of the US, and all of the Canadian volunteer donor blood supply. These blood centers serve an area with more than 180 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 4,200 hospitals and health care facilities across North America. ABC’s US members are licensed and regulated by the US Food & Drug Administration. Canadian members are regulated by Health Canada.
 

Copyright © 2006 Hoxworth Blood Center | Member: America's Blood Centers