Community Blood Center (CBC) is declaring 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.
The region currently only has a 2-day blood supply of types O- and B-, well below the optimal level of 5-7 days. CBC hosts daily blood drives and operates 8 area donor centers to reach donors and meet local hospital needs.
There are several local blood drives upcoming in the month of August:
August 5th Trenton – North 65 Center Noon-6PM
August 15th Chillicothe – United Methodist Church Noon-6PM
August 21st Meadville – Community Center 2-6PM
August 29th Brookfield – Eagles Lodge 1-6PM
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit savealifenow.org or call 877.468.6844.
Donors can additionally use the zip search on the website to find locations near them: https://donate.savealifenow.org/donor/schedules/zip
