Longest Running Blood Shortage in 10 Years Plagues Bay Area

August 4, 2005

Critical Blood Shortage Enters Its Second Month

Northern California’s largest blood bank - Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) – is asking for immediate blood donations to boost critically low blood supplies. While blood shortages during the summer are not uncommon, blood bank officials are reporting that this is the longest running shortage in 10 years.

In response to the critical shortage, BCP is rationing blood to the 41 hospitals it supplies blood to.

Worsening the situation is the fact that BCP has been unable to receive the normal amount of imported shipments of blood from other regions, due to a nationwide shortage of blood. Normally, 20% of the Bay Area’s blood supply is imported from outside the region, often from other states.

“Of particular concern at this time is our ability to support complex procedures like organ transplants that can require a lot of blood,” said Lisa Bloch, spokesperson for BCP. “The Bay Area has some of the best medical treatment in the world but many lifesaving procedures can’t take place without donated blood.”

To help entice blood donors, BCP has launched a “Pint for a Pint” promotion. During the month of August, all BCP blood donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

BCP is a non profit organization that provides volunteer blood donations to 41 hospitals throughout Northern California, including all San Francisco hospitals.

To donate blood, call 888-393-GIVE or visit www.bloodcenters.org.

Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch
(415) 749-6612