BCP Braces for a Summertime Blood Shortage

July 5, 2007

Blood Donors Encouraged to Donate Blood, Platelets; Organizations to Sponsor Blood Drives

Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) is asking for blood donations – especially of Type O negative blood – and platelets, to avert a summertime blood shortage.

Typically, summer is a difficult time for blood centers like BCP as many regular blood donors go on vacation, and donor groups such as high schools and colleges aren’t able to host blood drives. And with continued high usage from local hospitals during the summer, the need for blood increases sharply, resulting in a blood shortage.

“It’s just the start of summer and our inventory of blood supplies already show signs of decline. Currently we have less than one-day’s supply of Type O negative blood,” said Nora Hirschler, M.D., President of BCP. “Type O negative blood can be given to anyone in an emergency, and it’s absolutely critical to have an adequate supply of it at all times.”

Blood bank officials are also reporting a severe shortage of platelets, a critical blood component used to treat cancer patients, bleeding disorders, and needed for organ transplants. In addition, officials report that blood drives scheduled for the next three weeks are 20 percent below what will be needed to meet expected demand.

“To avoid the blood shortage trend, we’re asking individuals to make it a priority to donate blood and platelets, and organizations to schedule blood drives this summer,” said Dr. Hirschler. “It is important to remember that it’s the blood already on the shelves that saves lives.”

BCP must provide 500 pints of blood every day to area hospitals to ensure they have an adequate supply.

To donate blood or to sponsor a blood drive, call 888-393-GIVE or visit www.bloodcenters.org.

BCP is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides volunteer blood donations to 40 hospitals throughout Northern California.

Contact: Angela Woon, BCP
415-749-6698