Critical Blood Shortage At Bay Area Blood Centers

SAN CARLOS, CA — Several factors have led to a significant shortage in the blood supply at a local blood center this summer and they are asking the public for urgent help.

The Stanford Blood Center stated that due to heavy usage and low appointments recently, they are experiencing a critical shortage in blood and are asking for the community to help in meeting the urgent need at partner hospitals.

"We have been supporting six transplant surgeries and multiple cardiac procedures over the last several days, in addition to ongoing regular usage," a press release stated.

Also, the largest and busiest location, the South Bay donor center in Campbell, remains closed for essential renovations until August.

“With the temporary closure of our South Bay donor center, we’re relying on our community to help keep the blood supply strong," said Renee Gipson, SBC’s Donor Services director. "We’re asking folks to continue supporting local patients by donating at one of our other convenient locations.”

The summer, especially July, is typically a challenging time for blood collections as many regular donors are traveling and due to the loss of blood drives at schools out of session.

Appointments can be scheduled online at stanfordbloodcenter.org, via the SBC mobile app, by calling 888-723-7831 or texting 999-777.