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Inland blood supply getting low |
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July 13, 2017 |
Inland Northwest Blood Center is calling
on the community to come forward and give blood
in an effort to rebuild both local and national
blood supplies in addition to preparing for any
unexpected events which could cause an increase
in the need for blood.
Blood supplies across the country remain at
dangerously low levels following a severe
decline in blood donations leading up to and
following the July 4th holiday.
INBC strives to keep a five-day supply of every
blood type on the shelf at all times to be able
to meet the needs of patients across the Inland
Northwest. Donations from O-negative donors, the
universal blood type, are especially important
this time of year due to increased accidents and
trauma cases.
The current O-negative blood supply sits at
approximately two-days on hand, which is more
than half of the ideal quantity needed to
support local patients.
As part of Blood Systems Blood Services
division, Inland Northwest Blood Center is
included in a multi-state system of blood
centers. This network works in tandem, moving
lifesaving donations throughout the system to
help ensure blood is available when and where
it’s needed most. In July alone, the network is
facing shortfall of 5,700 donations, with
deficits continuing through August. The
significant nationwide decline in donations has
led to this coordinated call on the public to
donate blood.
“Patients, their families and the more than
1,000 hospitals across our nation that Blood
Systems serves depend on us to deliver on our
promise to provide a safe and ample blood
supply,” said Rob Van Tuyle, president of Blood
Systems Blood Services Division. “Don’t take a
vacation from blood donation. In about an hour,
one donor can save up to three lives by giving
blood.”
Inland Northwest Blood Center is the only blood
provider to more than 35 hospitals across the
Inland Northwest. The blood supply is dependent
on selfless donations from volunteer donors to
ensure the lifesaving needs of the region are
met.
About 30 percent of INBC’s blood supply goes to
cancer patients across the Inland Northwest and
one in seven people entering the hospital will
need blood. Those relying on blood in the region
receive that lifesaving blood from INBC.
Donors can make a convenient appointment to give
blood at
www.inbcsaves.org or by calling
(800)423-0151. With each donation, donors
receive a free total cholesterol test and earn
points in Inland Northwest Blood Center’s Hero
in Me rewards program.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in
to refreshments. Donors can save about 20
minutes by completing their Fast Track Health
History the day they donate on
www.inbcsaves.org.
The next Bonners Ferry Community Blood Drive
will be from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday,
September 19, at the Bonners Ferry LDS Church,
6568 Alderson Lane, Bonners Ferry. For an
appointment, call 1-800-423-0151 or visit
www.inbcsaves.org. |
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