Our Blood Institute Coffee Memorial Blood Center said Wednesday, June 17 that it is declaring an emergency blood shortage — with less than a day’s supply on hand of one particularly needed type.
The center, located at 7500 Wallace Blvd. in Amarillo, urgently needs donors of all blood types, especially O-negative and B-negative.
O-negative blood is known as a universal blood type because it can be safely transfused to patients of any blood type. It is frequently used in trauma situations and for critically injured patients during emergencies, when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type, the center said.
As of Monday, June 15, the center said its O-negative inventory had fallen to just 65 units — less than a one-day supply — and efforts to bring in additional blood from other regions have been unsuccessful, as blood centers nationwide face similar shortages.
“Typically, when inventories become critically low, blood centers can work together to move blood products where they are needed most,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute in a news release. “Right now, there simply isn’t a safety net. Communities across the country are facing the same challenges, making local blood donation more important than ever.”
Without immediate donor help, the center said hospitals may be forced to delay some surgical and non-emergency procedures, in order to save the blood for trauma patients, cancer treatments, childbirth complications and other life-threatening emergencies.
Anyone who is healthy and 16 or older can give blood. A donation takes around an hour, and it can save up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
In regard to certain age groups, 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission to donate, and donors age 17 must be 125 pounds and those 18 and older at least 110 pounds. A photo ID is also required.
Kristina Wood is managing editor of the Amarillo Globe-News, whose coverage includes Amarillo and Canyon, and into the Texas Panhandle. Have a story idea? Send it in at newmedia@amarillo.com .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Coffee Memorial Blood Center declares emergency shortage
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
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By Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
