Blood supply approaches critical levels ahead of World Blood Donor Day
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DAVENPORT — Facing an urgent need for additional donors, ImpactLife asks all eligible and potential donors to schedule appointments to give blood during the week of World Blood Donor Day (Tues., June 14). ImpactLife is responding to a decrease in the rate of blood donation during the first weeks of summer that means our region’s blood supply is now approaching critical levels. To schedule, call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401, visit www.bloodcenter.org, or download the ImpactLife mobile app at www.bloodcenter.org/app.
Erica Hostetler, director of the laboratory and blood bank at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, comments on the many ways in which blood donations help save lives. “Blood products, used every day in our facilities, allow life to carry on,” says Hostetler. “We care for NICU babies who receive only 5 mL (a teaspoon) of blood, and trauma survivors that receive multiple blood products. Oncology patients receive platelets to help prevent bleeding and bruising, and surgical patients have units of blood on standby. We have high-risk moms that may need blood products if hemorrhage occurs, and sickle cell patients who go through regular transfusions to prevent complications from the disease. Having an adequate supply of blood donations is critical to keeping our loved ones alive.” (Erica Hostetler, administrative laboratory director, HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois)
World Blood Donor Day is Tuesday, June 14.
Observed annually on June 14, World Blood Donor Day serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank volunteer donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood. Those who support the blood center’s mission can help with outreach and engagement by sharing ImpactLife content on social media. For more information and links to graphics, see www.bloodcenter.org/WBDD.
