Despite Blood Shortages, some surgeries not delayed

As of Thursday, a slight increase in blood donations has permitted hospitals to lift a recent… As of Thursday, a slight increase in blood donations has permitted hospitals to lift a recent moratorium on certain elective surgeries, but the shortage of blood continues for a second week. A re-evaluation of the situation will take place at the end of the week to see if the lift is permanent.

The Central Blood Bank still continues to plead for blood donations from the local community. According to a recent press release, last week’s blood donations were modest in quantity. CBB has set their goal at 725 blood donations, but because of the seriousness of the current blood shortage, they need an additional 100 donors each day to make up for the past weeks’ scarcity.

Blood donations of any type are needed, but Type O, known as “the universal donor” because all people can accept it, is particularly desired.

Central Blood Bank supplies more than 40 hospitals in the tri-state area – especially major hospitals in the Pittsburgh region. Deborah Ervin, a representative from the blood bank, said blood shortages usually come and go, with needs peaking during the summer and holidays.

Lately, however, the shortage has been a year-round problem. On average, donors usually give blood two or three times a year.

But donors can usually donate blood every 56 days, so if he timed it right, a single donor could donate as many as six or seven times in a year.

The blood inventory level has lingered at about a two-day supply, but a slight increase in the blood donations last week brought the stock up to the three-day supply mark, Ervin said. She added that the blood bank really needed between a five- and a seven-day supply.

To donate blood, a person must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Being on medication will not necessarily prevent a person from donating blood, Ervin said. Each potential donor must discuss her history and current situation with a nurse or physician to determine if she can donate.

“Fifty percent of the population are eligible to donate blood, and only about 5 percent actually do,” Ervin said.

The blood bank has sent out a request that all old donors, as well as new ones, make appointments to give blood. The lack of commitment to scheduled appointments largely affects the current situation, she said, adding that people can call 1 (866) DONORS1 or make appointments online at www.centralblookbank.org.

Students on campus can come to one of the blood drives that will be held on Sept. 23 at the William Pitt Union, from 11-4:30 p.m., and Oct. 1 and 2 at the Petersen Events Center, from 11-4:30 p.m.

“By donating to Central Blood Bank, a central blood supplier, you are donating to your community,” Ervin said.