Community Corner
Connecticut Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency After Snowstorm
The blood supply currently stands at a level of 1-2 days. Type O and Platelets are less than a day's supply.
Press release from CTBC:
March 7, 2023
Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) is declaring a blood emergency after New England saw its first major snowstorm of the winter season. This resulted in the loss of nearly 100 appointments due to lower donor turnout and canceled blood drives. On average, CTBC, along with its sister division Rhode Island Blood Center, needs to collect 250 donations each day to help meet demand for the patients and hospitals we service. Inventory is now at a critically grave level. The region is currently at a 1-to-2-day supply level when it should be at a 5-to-7-day. Blood type O and platelets are at a crisis level of less than a day supply. These alarming levels come following a difficult February, in which blood centers across our enterprise saw some of the worst donation levels in over five years.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Patients rely on volunteer blood donors for their life-saving treatments,” said Beau Tompkins, Vice President of Connecticut Blood Center. “Our supply remains at critical levels as demand surges beyond pre-pandemic levels. We need Southern New Englanders to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life to help us stabilize the supply.”
There is an urgent need for all blood types but especially Blood type O and platelets. This is caused by a few factors. Type O+ is the most common blood type. While O- is the only universal blood type that can be given in cases of emergency. Platelets are most commonly used to help cancer patients.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The recent snowstorm has significantly strained our current blood supply,” said Jonathan DeCasanova, Account Manager for Connecticut Blood Center. “Hospitals and the patients they serve, rely on us to have blood available when it is needed. We are asking the community to please consider donating in order to help us get back to adequate levels.”
During the month of March, CTBC is also doing a special promotion to encourage donations during this challenging time. All presenting donors will be entered into a weekly drawing for an e-gift card for Apple or Beats earbuds.
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.
