Fort Smith Regional Chamber Of Commerce: News Release: Donors Are Still Urged To Give Immediately For Local Patients

Press release from the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce:

June 29, 2021

NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE Acacia Strube, Marketing Strategist
acacia.strube@obi.org | 405-922-0920 (cell) Blood Supply Hits Emergency Low Levels Blood Supply Hits Emergency Low Levels Blood Supply Hits Emergency Low Levels Donors are still urged to give immediately for local patients LITTLE ROCK, June 29, 2021 ─ LITTLE ROCK, June 29, 2021 ─ LITTLE ROCK, June 29, 2021 ─ Arkansas Blood Institute’s blood supply remains at a critical level heading into the July 4th holiday weekend. Arkansas Blood Institute’s blood supply remains at a critical level heading into the July 4th holiday weekend. Although donors have responded to the blood emergency declaration, the blood supply has not rebounded as much as needed as hospital usage remains critically high. Last week’s hospital usage was nearly 20% higher than expected levels, based on historic usage patterns. A less-than-robust blood supply represents a more serious concern heading into the July 4th holiday weekend, where car crashes and traumas are likely to increase. The timing of this year’s holiday also means two days of blood collection will be lost, widening the gap between need and available supply. Due to a nationwide blood shortage, a strained blood supply represents an even more dangerous situation than it did in years past. Recently, an active shooter in Austin shot 14 people, creating an immediate and serious need for blood products. The blood center in that area put out a national call for help, but only 20% of their need was met by other blood centers, who were facing emergency shortages and could spare little to help. “The last year has been an unstable pattern of ups and downs for our blood supply, but none has been so worrying as the barely detectable reaction to the 14-victim shooting in Austin,” said Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “Such an anemic reaction is not at all typical and warns of a weakening national resilience to face the next mass casualty event.” To rebuild the blood supply and be prepared for the holiday weekend, donors are needed immediately. Blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Donors can find locations to donate at arkbi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. While COVID-19 vaccination is not required of blood donors, those who have been vaccinated can donate immediately, assuming they are feeling well. Arkansas Blood Institute is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.  For more information, visit arkbi.org. *16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. *16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. ### CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication may contain confidential, proprietary or privileged information and is intended only for the person to whom the communication is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify Oklahoma Blood Institute Information Technology at 405-297-5858 or helpdesk@obi.org and destroy all copies of the communication as your use, disclosure, copying or storage of the communication is prohibited and may be a violation of state or federal law.

This press release was produced by the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.