Two Transplants Use 200 Blood Components
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The August blood shortage in Central and Eastern Kentucky continues and has been exacerbated by a spike in demand. The blood supply remains 25% below normal levels: there is less than a day’s supply of O negative, O positive and A positive blood types ready to ship to hospitals.
A three-day supply of blood types is considered normal.
Within two days this week, two organ transplant surgeries required a total of nearly 100 red blood cells and more than 200 blood components in total. Each day the 67 hospitals served by the Kentucky Blood Center transfuse more than 200 units of red blood cells.
“The need for blood is constant and we must be able to meet the patient needs as they happen,” said Jim Tinker, Kentucky Blood Center spokesperson. “Three-day weekends are always a challenge because donations decline, yet the demand continues; the need never takes a holiday.”
One month ago, the outlook for August blood donations in Kentucky was bleak. Blood centers around the nation were announcing shortages and the Kentucky Blood Center forecast showed a steep decline in donations. By Aug. 7 the slump was reality and a blood shortage was grudgingly declared.
To encourage blood donations, the Kentucky Blood Center has launched Battle of the Bluegrass, a Blood Donor Challenge between University of Kentucky and University of Louisville fans. Donors can “vote” for either school when they give blood. All donors receive a commemorative Battle T-shirt and one donor will win two tickets to the Sept. 15 football game.
Those wanting to donate blood can call 1-800-775-2522 or visit kybloodcenter.org for blood drive and donor center details. Walk-in donors also are encouraged. The Kentucky Blood Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for 67 Kentucky hospitals and clinics thanks to generous blood donors in 62 counties.