Kentucky Looking at Potential Crisis with Tranfusions Outpacing Donations
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky is about to be hit with the sort of blood shortages being seen elsewhere in the nation. Transfusions are outpacing blood donations and the situation will be a health crisis within weeks unless blood donations increase.
“We have to have a constant flow of blood donors to keep hospitals adequately supplied every day,” said Jim Tinker, spokesperson for the Kentucky Blood Center, adding that the 67 hospitals and clinics served by the Kentucky Blood Center require more than 200 units of red blood cells daily.
According to the blood center, transfusions will outpace blood donations in August by nearly 1,400 units. As a result, by Aug. 25, the blood supply will be nearly half of the level desired to ensure a full supply for all hospitals.
“The Kentucky Blood Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for Kentuckians, recognizes the late summer decline in blood donations is a repetitive cycle nationally and we are striving to end that cycle locally,” Tinker said.
Blood donations are up this year over last year and higher this summer than last summer, but the forecast shows a swift decline in donations - based on historic records, national trends and a slow rate of donor appointments - is emerging.
Those wanting to donate blood can call 1-800-775-2522 or visit kybloodcenter.org to schedule an appointment to give blood. Anyone age 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health can be a blood donor.