Connecticut Blood Center Declared Second Blood Emergency In 75 Days

Press release from CTBC:

Oct. 21, 2022

Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) announcing another blood emergency today, their second in 75 days and 5th in 2022. It comes as the region’s blood supply is once again at a 1-3 day supply. We typically like to see the supply stand at a 5-7 day level, but we have not seen that level in over 30 months!

This is not just a local problem. For over 2.5 years, blood centers across the nation have been struggling. The small group of loyal donors can no longer sustain the supply and demand as life returns to normal following the pandemic. We need youth, first time and lapsed blood donors to come through the doors to build up the supply. It only takes an hour of someone’s time to donate a single pint of whole blood, which can then be used to save up to three lives.

“Currently, the majority of blood centers across the country only have one to two days of blood available for patients in need. A blood transfusion occurs every two seconds in America, and it is critical that individuals give generously at this time to help save lives” said Kate Fry of America’s Blood Centers. Youth and first-time donors are critically needed to help build up our local and national blood supply.

According to America’s Blood Centers, from 2017-2019 there was a 10% decrease in donations from those 16-18 years old. That percentage jumps to 15 percent for those between 19-24 years old. These alarming statistics showcase the importance of building the lifesaving habit of blood donation at a young age. School blood drives are an important part of recruiting young donors, however many schools have not hosted these life-saving events since the start of the pandemic.

“As we continue struggling to meet hospital demands for patients, we urge the community to donate blood” said CTBC Account Manager Jonathan DeCasanova. “Your lifesaving donation can truly make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

Repeated blood emergency messaging is also not helping as our community and media partners become desensitized to the urgent need. Blood emergencies in the last decade typically happened twice per year around the 4th of July and December holidays.

Connecticut Blood Center is asking the community, especially youth and first-time or former blood donors who have not given in the last few years to step up and take some of the burden off those that have been giving blood. Even if you cannot donate, you can help the blood center by spreading the word about the critical national shortage and need for local blood donors. Tell your friends, post on social or bring a first-time blood donor.

To make an appointment call 800.283.8385, ctblood.org.

This press release was produced by CTBC. The views expressed here are the author's own.