PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Community Blood Center is urging donations as area hospitals face an urgent emergency shortage.
The center says its Type O supply took a hit Monday morning with six hospital patients in Brown County who are receiving significant amounts of blood during emergencies. The hospital just requested at least 24 emergency units of blood.
Two Wausau-area patients also needed large amounts of Type O and Type B Negative blood over the weekend. This is on top of the blood needed for everyday treatments, cancer care, moms in labor and surgeries.
Donors are needed ASAP to help ensure hospitals have the lifesaving blood products they need when every second counts.
Several blood types are at only a two-to-three-day supply on hand. That number should be at five days.
The blood supply has remained at crisis levels since July due to increased emergency use and fewer donors. Tornado recovery in Northeast Wisconsin means some businesses are unable to host regular blood drives as they rebuild.
The shortage highlights the vital role community blood centers play in healthcare systems. Approximately 60% of the United States blood supply is provided by independent, nonprofit regional blood centers, including the Community Blood Center.
“Every donation strengthens our local blood supply and helps hospitals stay prepared for everyday treatments and unexpected emergencies,” said John Hagins, President & CEO of The Community Blood Center. “Right now, hospitals are counting on generous donors to close the gap between the amount of blood patients need and the number of donations coming in. More donors are needed as soon as possible to rebuild the supply.”
Donors can receive a limited-edition t-shirt after logging their donation in Abbott and The Big Ten Conference’s “We Give Blood” competition. The Big Ten school that drives the most blood donations during the campaign will receive a $1 million grant from Abbott to advance student or community health.
Any donor incentive offered as part of this campaign is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and available to individuals who present to donate. For additional information, including a list of available incentives, click here.
Schedule a donation today by visiting communityblood.org, using the CBC Donor App or calling (800) 280-4102.
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