LEXINGTON, Ky. – The blood shortage that has impacted much of the nation has arrived in Kentucky. Officials at the Kentucky Blood Center reported today that the blood supply at the center has reached emergency status and the outlook for donations is so anemic that a plea to the public is necessary.
“This is not a panic situation, but it is an emergency. Blood donations have slowed to a trickle and will soon impact our hospitals if we do not see an immediate increase in blood donations,” said Jim Tinker, spokesperson for the Kentucky Blood Center.
Hospitals have enough blood to meet current patient needs, but supplies at the blood center have dwindled and will worsen without a sudden rise in blood donations.
The worst case scenario is that if donations do not immediately increase or if additional blood can not be provided by other blood centers, elective surgeries could be postponed. The concern of blood center officials is exacerbated by the fact that Kentucky is only the latest state to declare a blood shortage. Any blood available from other parts of the country is already in high demand.
The 67 hospitals and clinics served by the Kentucky Blood Center require more than 200 units of red blood cells daily to treat patients. By week’s end the center will have 800-1,000 units less than normal to meet daily demands.
Recruiting donors is a challenge throughout the year, but especially in August due to:
- end-of-summer vacations that reduce donor turnout,
- the reduction in community blood drives due to vacations,
- heat waves, and
- the summer hiatus of high school and college blood drives, which provide 20% of all blood donations.
A recently released study shows the donor recruitment challenge may be tougherthan realized. The report by University of Minnesota researchers says the eligible U.S. blood donor pool is only 37%, far from the 60% statistic long held as fact.
Year-to-date blood donations are higher than in 2006, however, recent donations have slowed to the point that this blood shortage has emerged.
“We need blood donors now," Tinker said. "We do not take announcements of blood shortages lightly. This is not a case of ‘crying wolf’ – the wolf is at the blood bank door."
Those wanting to donate blood can call 1-800-775-2522 or visit kybloodcenter.org to schedule an appointment to give blood. The Kentucky Blood Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for 67 hospitals and clinics thanks to generous blood donors in 62 counties.