Storms Cause 50% Cut in Blood Donations
Blood donations were down more than 50% for several days last week because the recent storms caused many regular donors to cancel their appointments, and officials are worried that the rain anticipated this week will drive potential donors away again.
United Blood Services, the sole supplier of blood to county hospitals, normally receives about 150 donors a day, said Carolyn Tyner, director of donor recruitment.
Last week, the number of donors ranged from 63 to 116, Tyner said.
United Blood Services relies on repeat donors, and “people were calling left and right to cancel their appointments because their street was flooded, or they couldn’t drive their cars because of the rain,” Tyner said. She said blood reserves are being depleted quickly.
If donors continue to cancel their appointments this week, county hospitals will have to begin canceling surgeries, she said.
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