Aug. 24-Continued strong patient needs for blood have depleted Vitalant's supply by nearly 50% since the start of summer, creating an emergency shortage in Northeast Ohio and across the country, according to a news release.
As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, fewer blood donors are typically available, which is expected to make the situation worse, the release said.
Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant collects blood from volunteer donors to supply to several area hospitals including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, UH St. John Medical Center and Summa Health, the release said.
All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment now for the coming days and weeks.
"Hospitals need people to donate during these critical weeks," said Vitalant Chief Medical and Scientific Officer Dr. Ralph Vassallo, in the release. "Patient blood needs don't conform to a predictable schedule.
"Several patients may experience emergencies, while a planned surgery could suddenly require dozens of units of blood for one patient. Hospitals must have blood available to take care of everyone."
The emergency shortage is acute for type O, which is the most frequently transfused blood type, the release said.
In recent days, O-positive blood has frequently fallen to just one-day's supply. Appointments for all blood types are needed to achieve a sufficient four-day supply of all blood types, according to the release.
The Food and Drug Administration recently changed blood donation eligibility requirements.
Previously, anyone who had traveled to France, Ireland or the United Kingdom was unable to donate blood due to the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, also known as mad cow disease, the release said.
Now, these individuals are eligible to give blood with Vitalant, as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria, according to the release.
To make an appointment, check if you're eligible to donate or find a blood drive near you, visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825.
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