APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Community Blood Center (CBC) is urging Northeast Wisconsin residents to schedule a blood donation in the coming days as its blood supply level becomes critically low.
There is an “urgent need” for all blood types after a summer of increased blood usage, according to the CBC. Red blood cell usage since July 4 is more than 14% higher than normal and donations have not kept pace with the increased use, making it challenging for the CBC to maintain a stable blood supply.
Healthy and eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. Blood donation can begin at 16 years old, with permission from a parent or guardian.
Encouraging family and friends to schedule a donation is also important, the CBC says.
“We are asking community members to come together to help save lives. At the end of every blood donation is a patient who is relying on blood,” said Kristine Belanger, vice president of operations and chief operating officer at the CBC.
“It’s a powerful opportunity to make a potentially lifesaving impact in a person’s life, and it can only be done through the selfless generosity of a volunteer blood donor. We need all the lifesavers we can find right now to help our blood supply to get back to where it needs to be,” Belanger continued.
Everyone who donates between Aug. 30 and Sept. 8 will receive a special gift from the CBC as a small token of appreciation.
Blood donation appointments can be scheduled by visiting communityblood.org or calling (800) 280-4102.
