Blood donations are encouraged nationwide with the nation’s blood supply experiencing low levels. In an August 5th news release from the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism, of which ABC is a member, the blood community urged all eligible individuals to donate blood explaining that, “[t]he nation’s blood supply is currently strained.”
The task force news release also noted that, “[c]urrent reports from the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism indicate that the blood supply in the United States is lower than it should be and trending downward at concerning levels. In fact, many blood collection organizations have faced, or are currently facing, a critical shortage this summer. This has been further impacted by recent disruptions in blood collections in the [s]outheast United States, including the landfall of Tropical Storm Debby into Florida’s west coast.”
John Hagins, chair of the Task Force, added in the news release emphasizing that blood donations are encouraged nationwide, “[w]e are asking potential donors — both regular and first-time donors — to make a commitment to donate blood or platelets at this time. Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help to ensure that sufficient blood is available for all patients who need it.”
The American Hospital Association (AHA) also published a “Special Bulletin” alerting its member that blood donations are needed and encouraged with a call to action that stated, “[h]ospitals and health systems are encouraged to urge eligible individuals in their communities to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets at their nearest blood collection location. Regular blood donations are a critical resource for hospitals and health systems to provide lifesaving care for their communities. The public understands the lifesaving importance of blood and blood products and often steps forward to donate when made aware of a supply shortage.”
ABC will provide additional updates from the task force as they become available.