Inland blood supply getting low

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.