Blog Post: Area Blood Supply Lower Than National Average
January 19th, 2012
Blood Assurance, the only source of blood for more than 50 hospitals and healthcare facilities in the region, is operating on a 3 to 4 day supply of blood, compared to the national average of an eight-day supply.
“We want the public to know that we are continuing to ask for their help because there has been an increase in the usage of blood in our area,” said Rick Youngblood, president and CEO of Blood Assurance.
Blood Assurance will be open at all facilities for extended hours this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donor centers that do not typically offer Saturday hours will be open on Saturday to give all area residents the opportunity to donate blood.
According to America’s Blood Centers, about one in seven people entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion.
“We need a minimum of 400 donations each day to supply the local hospitals. For instance, one patient alone used more than 100 units of blood last week,” said Dr. Liz Culler, medical director for Blood Assurance.
In comparison, the goal for an average blood drive is 40 units of blood.
“Our mission is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood to every area patient in need, but we cannot do it without the help of our community,” said Youngblood.
Blood drive locations can be found at www.bloodassurance.org/blooddrives. Eleven donor centers are also located throughout the region. Hours and directions are available at www.bloodassurance.org/locations.
For questions about donating blood, please visit www.bloodassurance.org, where you can chat with a representative during business hours. Donors can also interact with the regional blood center on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bloodassurance) and on Twitter (@bloodassurance).
Posted by lacey wilson
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