Blood Center inventory approaching ‘dangerous levels’

By STHS Communication Department

As hospitals around the state continue to ramp up normal operations – and ramp up the demand for blood along with it -- The Blood Center says its inventory is approaching dangerous levels and that donors of all blood types are needed.

According to Blood Center officials, the organization has been collecting approximately one-third of its average daily collections, the result of stay-at-home orders necessitated by the COVID-19 outbreak.

That, in turn, has in turn led to the temporary closure of several blood collection sites and cancelled numerous blood drives – meaning the center must collect more blood at fewer locations.

“Hospitals anticipate a significant increase in blood usage with the lifting of restrictions on elective procedures, including chemotherapy and bone marrow/organ transplantation,” said Dr. Tim Peterson, medical director for The Blood Center. “Until restrictions on individual travel and business reopening ease, we need blood donors to visit our centers to help meet the increasing demands.”

The Blood Center is now taking appointments at its Mandeville, Slidell, Metairie, Thibodaux, Hammond and Westbank locations. For more information on blood donation or to make an appointment, call 1(800)86-BLOOD or visit TheBloodCenter.org.