Carter Bloodcare recently announced that the fluctuation of the community blood supply and a strong hospital demand has created a critically low and unstable situation. Initially brought on by thousands of blood drive cancellations with the “shelter in place” orders, Carter BloodCare’s challenge continues with fewer donations collected when a blood drive does take place or when one of the 26 blood donation centers opens its doors for the day.
Blood programs nationwide are reporting dangerous declines in blood collections brought on by COVID-19 closures and aggravated by weather challenges and wildfires in western states.
This news comes as the cases of COVID-19 are surging locally and across the country, and flu season is here. Hospital orders are strong, as medical facilities resume normal surgical schedules, and patients require blood transfusions. Carter BloodCare is urging all eligible blood donors to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now. Appointments can be made by texting or calling 800-366-2834 or going online to carterbloodcare.org.
It is important to remember that blood has a shelf life and that it cannot be manufactured. Blood must come from generous people who want to help others.
Patients requiring blood can be those undergoing cancer treatments or heart surgery, mothers experiencing emergent childbirth complications, or those involved in a traumatic accident. The blood currently on the shelf saves lives.