Community Corner
Connecticut Blood Center Celebrates National Blood Donor Month
Blood supply level stands at 2-3 days, below ideal level of 5-7 days.
Press release from CTBC:
Jan. 3, 2023
Amid ongoing blood shortages, Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) remains committed in our mission to help save lives in our community. This month, CTBC will honor donors, both old and new, during National Blood Donor Month.
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The last few years have been challenging, as CTBC faced multiple blood emergencies. This is part of a national trend, as blood donations have not returned to pre-pandemic levels but demand for these lifesaving products is up. This month, the blood center is facing a new concern as the tripledemic of the RSV, Flu and Covid-19 is threatening an already unstable blood supply. There has been an uptick in cancellations and missed appointments due to donors who are or are concerned about getting sick.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important that healthy individuals consider rolling up their sleeves to potentially save three lives” said Jacqueline Gatlin, Director of Hospital Services for Rhode Island and Connecticut Blood Center. “Throughout the pandemic we have all learned to do more with less, but this approach doesn’t leave much of a buffer for emergencies and traumatic events.”
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25% of the blood supply is used by patients battling cancer and roughly 1800 units of blood is used by pediatric patients across the country daily. This is why CTBC stresses its pivotal to maintain a stable blood supply.
“Coming off the holiday season, it is important that we increase donations back to sufficient levels” said Jonathan DeCasanova, Account Manager for Connecticut Blood Center. “We are greatly urging community members to schedule a donation and for organizations to consider hosting a blood drive.”
In celebration of National Blood Donor Month, all presenting donors January 5th through 31st will be entered into weekly drawings for a chance to win an Apple or Google Watch.
62 percent of the U.S population is eligible to donate, but just about 4% of Connecticut’s population donates. It takes less than an hour of someone’s time to save up to three lives. We are encouraging all members of the community to join this elite group of lifesavers and donate blood.
To make an appointment call 800.283.8385, visit ctblood.org. Terms and Conditions apply to the watch sweepstakes, learn more at ctblood.org/watch.
This press release was produced by CTBC. The views expressed here are the author's own.
