BCP Still Reporting Shortage of Type O Blood

July 13, 2007

Blood Center Opens Sunday to Encourage More Donors

Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) is still appealing to the public for immediate blood donations – especially of Type O blood. Because the community blood supply remains at a critical level, BCP’s Irwin Center location in San Francisco will open on Sunday.

As of this morning, BCP is reporting only a day’s supply of Type O blood on its shelves. BCP should optimally have a two and a half day’s supply to meet patient needs in local hospitals.

“Our inventory is still not out of the danger zone,” said Nora Hirschler, M.D., President of BCP. “It is important to remember that it’s the blood already on the shelves that saves lives, and it is absolutely critical to have an adequate supply at all times. Any emergency or trauma could deplete our supplies.”

Just last weekend, hospitals reported three liver transplants, several leukemia patients, and a massive trauma requiring more than 150 pints of Type O blood. If donations do not increase in the next several days, hospitals will likely begin canceling surgeries.

BCP’s Irwin Center location at 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, will be open on Sunday, July 15 th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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 1-888-393-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