Local blood provider fears running on a 2- to 3-day supply ‘very soon’
The Blood Connection fears it could be running on a two- to three-day supply of blood “very soon,” according to a recent announcement stressing the critical need for donations.
Blood donors of all types are urgently needed through the summer.
“To make matters worse, there is no substitute for blood. And just like milk, blood has a shelf life. That’s why blood must be continuously donated for real patients in local hospitals, who desperately need blood transfusions every day,” according to a news release from TBC.
AdventHealth Hendersonville hosted The Blood Connection on Tuesday, June 28 to highlight the critical blood shortage.
“AdventHealth Hendersonville gets all of the blood products we use to care for patients from The Blood Connection,” according to Communications Director Victoria Dunkle. “On a daily basis, we have patients who need blood products at our health care facilities across Western North Carolina. This includes patients receiving care in our cancer and hematology centers, our emergency department and our surgery services.
“AdventHealth is grateful to be able to count on The Blood Connection to help care for these patients. But we need the community’s help to make sure the blood supply doesn’t reach critically low levels,” Dunkle said. “We invite you to take one hour of your time to make a donation that is guaranteed to save a life, in fact, it will save up to three lives.”
Only 3% of the population donates blood, but one in seven people who enter a hospital will need a blood transfusion, according to TBC. The supply simply doesn’t keep up with the demand. Historically, there is a higher demand for blood products in July.
“Without a stable blood supply, patients like 12-year-old Rhys Shaw, who battled acute T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, wouldn’t have a fighting chance at survival,” says TBC. “Cancer patients use 25% of donated blood for their treatments. Community members are urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. One donation can help up to three people.”
"Freedom Week" at TBC was formed many years ago to anticipate and prepare for the decrease of blood donors in the summer months. This year, Freedom Week is June 26-July 10. TBC will be thanking blood donors who give from now until July 10 with a commemorative T-shirt and an eGift card valued at $20.
“While you’re enjoying the holiday, please remember to make a blood donation for your fellow Americans who are depending on blood for surgeries and cancer treatments. Although you may never meet the person who receives your donation, you’ll feel good knowing you’ve done something miraculous; saving a neighbor’s life,” said Delisa English, TBC President and CEO.
To make an appointment, go to thebloodconnection.org/donate or call 864-255-5000. Blood donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds and be 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent. Donors must bring a valid photo ID.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Local blood provider fears running on a 2- to 3-day supply ‘very soon’
