(SBA) - The nation’s blood supply is currently strained and eligible individuals are asked to donate blood or platelets at a LifeServe Blood Center Donor Center or mobile blood drive to help ensure an adequate supply is available to meet patients’ needs. The most needed blood products at this time are platelets, O+ and O- blood.
Current reports from the AABB interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism indicate that the blood supply in the United States is lower than it should be and trending downward at concerning levels. In fact, many blood collection organizations, like LifeServe Blood Center, have faced and are currently facing critical shortages. This has been further impacted by recent disruptions in blood collections in the Southeast United States, including the landfall of Tropical Storm Debby into Florida’s west coast. Closer to home, in Northwest Iowa, flooding in June exacerbated the current challenges with the blood supply.
The blood community strongly urges eligible individuals throughout the United States to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. If you have one scheduled, you are encouraged to keep it and positively impact the life of someone in your community. Doing so will help build a stable and adequate supply of blood and platelets which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met.
Blood has a limited shelf life, and the blood supply must continually be replenished. If the blood supply is not replenished, the country faces the risk of not having blood available for all patients who rely on it for optimal health care.
“We are asking potential donors – both regular and first-time donors- to make a commitment to giving one more in 2024. Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help to ensure that sufficient blood is available for all patients who need it,” said Shay Willis, Director of PR & Marketing for LifeServe Blood Center. To schedule an appointment, call 800.287.4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.
LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe provides blood products to 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Illinois. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member or a stranger on the street.
YOU make a difference in YOUR community. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800.287.4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Upcoming blood drives:
8/29-Chick-fil-A Promotion at the Sioux City Donor Center
8/30, 8/31 and 9/3-Double Points
8/31-ArtSpash 2024 Blood Drive from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Central Bank Parking Lot (522 4th St., Sioux City)
Until 9/15-Betty’s Tailgate Giveaway.
